Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Dichroplus notatus Bruner, 1908, described from Amula, Guerrero, Mexico
Trigonophymus notatus (Bruner) Kirby, 1910
Explanation of Names
It has been suggested that this species does not belong to the genus Dichroplus, but it is placed there currently. D. notatus is very similar in appearance to the genus Baeacris.
Identification
Wings fully developed and reach to near or past hind femora when folded. Similar to Melanoplus and Aidemona, but with distinctive color pattern. Usually with tops of folded tegmina and pronotum paler than dark sides and with dark mark running along top middle of pronotum (wide on prozona and narrow on metazona) that continues a short distance onto folded tegmina and also forward onto head between eyes. Antennae relatively light in color, often matching light color of top of body or somewhat more reddish. Femora usually all similar in color to top of body, with prominent dark cross bands (diagonal on outer face of hind femora), with "knees" of hind legs entirely dark (nearly black), and inner and lower sides of hind femora most often reddish. Hind tibiae grayish blue. Eyes (when living) fairly dark with sharp horizontal line (light above and dark below) crossing near middle.
In Aidemona the dark marking on top is missing or less pronounced and quite different; and, the line through the eyes is curved and not horizontal (distinctly lower in front than in back). Front and middle femora are usually dotted with dark, and hind femora most often appear to have pale diagonal marks on a darker (but still fairly light) background, and often are nearly plain or dotted with dark instead. Also the body is stouter in proportions with the hind femora less slender.
Melanoplus are so varied it is difficult to compare all in a small space, but none share the same pattern.
Range
Huachuca Mtns, se. AZ / Mex. (Behrstock & Sullivan 2011)
Season
July (Behrstock & Sullivan 2011)
Remarks
Based upon 18 specimens collected at two sites in southeastern Arizona during 2009 and 2010, Dichroplus notatus is added to the orthopteran fauna of the United States. (Behrstock & Sullivan 2011)
Print References
Behrstock, R.A. and P.H. Sullivan. 2011.
Dichroplus notatus (Orthoptera: Acrididae): a grasshopper genus and species new to the United States. Journal of Orthoptera Research 20(1): 35-38.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/23034219[/]JSTORInternet References
The original description of the species can be seen
here.
