Pleistocene-relic
Guides
Phymonotus
Phymonotus is a monotypic genus of shield-backed katydid erected in 2011, containing the single species P. jacintotopos. The genus is distinguished by an unusually enlarged dome-like pronotum, a distinctive calling song, and seven additional morphological features. It is considered a Pleistocene relic taxon endemic to high-elevation conifer forests of the San Jacinto Mountains in southern California.
Phymonotus jacintotopos
San Jacinto shieldback
Phymonotus jacintotopos is a rare, monotypic shield-backed katydid endemic to the San Jacinto Mountains of southern California. It is distinguished by an unusually enlarged dome-like pronotum, distinctive red-and-black coloration, and a unique calling song. The species is considered a Pleistocene relic, restricted to isolated high-elevation conifer forests. It belongs to the tribe Nedubini, whose members have a Gondwanan distribution.