Genus Bruneria

Bruneria as been variously been treated as a distinct genus, or asigned as a synonym or subgenus under Gomphocerus or Stenobothrus. Recent molecular studies show Bruneria species to be closely related to other North American genera such as Ageneotettix and Aulocara, and not particularly close to the Eurasian species of true Stenobothrus. So, Bruneria is best treated as a distinct genus.

Probably most easily confused with Phlibostroma, which usually has a row of four large dark spots on each tegmen (front wing), and in living insects usually has vertically striped eyes. Phlibostroma also has a larger head and no obvious lateral faveolae (small rectangular or triangular depressed or flat areas just to the front top of the eyes and above the antennae). Bruneria has usually more and smaller spots on the tegmina, faintly speckled eyes when living, and distinct rectangular (but not much depressed) faveolae. Psoloessa species can also look very similar, but do not have the top of the abdomen boldly banded black, and the space between the front of the eyes and antennae appears narrower. Aeropedellus can look somewhat similar, but is more slender, favors lusher habitats, and has the antennae at least somewhat clubbed.

Boreal and Montane western North America.

Usually relatively dry grassland/meadows, often in open woodland.

Species of Bruneria mature in late spring or summer, having overwintered as eggs.

Not well documented, but they tend to favor grasses, especially of the genus Agropyron [sensu latu] when reared in captivity.