Xeric-grassland
Guides
Acmaeodera princeps
Acmaeodera princeps is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed observations in Texas and New Mexico. Adults have been collected on flowers of Thelosperma filifolium (stiff greenthread) and are active in late spring to early summer. Like other Acmaeodera species, adults likely feed on pollen and are diurnal flower visitors.
Melanoplus ponderosus
ponderous spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus ponderosus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, found in North America. The species exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to its habitat. Two subspecies are recognized: M. p. ponderosus and M. p. viola. It has been documented in xeric grassland and glade habitats, particularly in the Ozark region.
Melanoplus rusticus-decoratus species group
The Melanoplus rusticus-decoratus species group is a taxonomic grouping within the genus Melanoplus (spur-throated grasshoppers), a diverse genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. Species in this group are characterized by specific morphological features, including obovate or distinctive wing shapes. Members such as Melanoplus rusticus (obovate-winged grasshopper) exhibit cryptic coloration adapted to rocky, lichen-covered habitats. The group is part of the larger Melanoplinae subfamily, whose members possess a diagnostic spur between the front legs and a face oriented perpendicular to the body axis. Species in this group are found in western and central North America, often associated with xeric grasslands and rocky outcrops.