Diapheromera velii

Walsh, 1864

prairie walkingstick

Diapheromera velii, commonly known as the prairie walkingstick, is a of in the Diapheromeridae. It is native to North America and has been documented in prairie and grassland , particularly in sandy areas. The species exhibits two recognized : D. v. velii and D. v. eucnemis. Like other walkingsticks, it relies on for avoidance.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diapheromera velii: //ˌdaɪəˌfɛrəˈmɛrə ˈvɛli.aɪ//

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Identification

Diapheromera velii can be distinguished from the more widespread northern walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata) by preference and geographic distribution, with D. velii associated with prairie and sandy environments rather than forested areas. The two differ in subtle morphological features: D. v. eucnemis was described by Hebard in 1937 and appears to occupy a more restricted range.

Habitat

Prairie , particularly sandy areas and shifting dune environments. Documented from the Sevilleta National Wildlife area in New Mexico, where it occurs among Mormon Tea (Ephedra spp.) and other scrub vegetation.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, Minnesota, and Louisiana. Range extends from Minnesota south to Texas and Louisiana.

Behavior

Mating pairs have been observed in late August. Like other walkingsticks, exhibits through slow swaying movements that mimic vegetation in breeze.

Similar Taxa

  • Diapheromera femorataOverlaps broadly in North American range but occupies forested rather than prairie ; commonly known as northern walkingstick
  • Megaphasma denticrusMuch larger (up to 150+ mm) with distinctive toothed mesofemora; distributed in south-central U.S. and Ozark Highlands rather than prairie regions

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