Neduba sierranus
(Rehn & Hebard, 1911)
sierra shieldback
Neduba sierranus, the sierra shieldback, is a of shield-backed katydid to western North America. It belongs to a relict whose diversification reflects cycles of isolation and secondary contact in the tumultuous geological history of the region. The species was redescribed in a 2021 comprehensive revision of the genus Neduba using molecular , , calling song analysis, and karyotypes. Like other Neduba species, it is flightless and characterized by a distinctive shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neduba sierranus: //nɛˈduːbə siˈɛrənəs//
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Distribution
California; western North America. Distribution records indicate presence in California specifically, with broader occurrence in western North America.
Host Associations
- Sphex ichneumoneus - preyHas been documented as prey of the Great Golden Digger wasp, which paralyzes katydids to provision nest for its larvae.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Aglaothorax sierranus by Rehn & Hebard in 1911, later transferred to Neduba. The was comprehensively redescribed in a 2021 Zootaxa revision of the .
Conservation Context
The Neduba includes one already extinct from human environmental disturbance, highlighting conservation concerns for this relict group.