Pediodectes nigromarginatus

(Caudell, 1902)

Black-margined Shieldback

Pediodectes nigromarginatus, commonly known as the black-margined shieldback, is a of shield-backed katydid in the Tettigoniidae. It is found in central North America, with records from Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico. The species belongs to a of wingless or short-winged katydids adapted to grassland and prairie . Two are recognized: P. n. nigromarginatus and P. n. griseis.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pediodectes nigromarginatus: /ˌpɛdiˌoʊˈdɛktiːz ˌnɪɡroʊˌmɑːrdʒɪˈneɪtəs/

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Identification

identification within Pediodectes from photographs alone is challenging due to variable color patterns and the difficulty of distinguishing from nymphs, as both are wingless. The black-margined shieldback can be separated from by geographic distribution and subtle morphological features, though precise identification often requires examination of specimens. The dark marginal markings referenced in the may aid in recognition. Distribution maps in Singing Insects of North America indicate this species occurs in the central Great Plains region.

Appearance

Shield-backed katydids in the Pediodectes are characterized by reduced or absent wings, giving them a robust, shield-like appearance. The specific epithet 'nigromarginatus' refers to dark marginal markings. are wingless, making them difficult to distinguish from nymphs based on external alone. Color patterns in the genus vary individually and with age.

Habitat

Prairie and grassland in the central Great Plains. The Pediodectes is associated with open grassland environments where their wingless condition is not a significant limitation.

Distribution

Central North America: Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas, Nuevo León).

Similar Taxa

Pediodectes haldemaniAlso a Great Plains shieldback with overlapping distribution in Oklahoma and Kansas; distinguished by different color pattern (dark red markings in P. haldemani versus dark marginal markings in P. nigromarginatus) and more northern type locality in Kansas
Pediodectes bruneriAnother congeneric shieldback occurring in the Great Plains region; precise distinctions require specimen examination

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Pediodectes nigromarginatus nigromarginatus (Caudell, 1902) and Pediodectes nigromarginatus griseis (Caudell, 1907). The basis for subspecific separation is not detailed in available sources.