Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Melanoplus cameronis Roberts, 1947
Orig. Comb: Melanoplus plebejus cameronis Roberts, 1947. Described from Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas
Identification
Differs from M. plebejus in male cerci narrower; male furculae averaging shorter (basically peg-like but still diverging in M. cameronis); tegmina, when short-winged, with apex drawn into a longer and more acute point.
Differs from M. lakinus in more easterly distribution, slightly more slender build, generally more "plain" coloration (though some M. lakinus are just as plain), a shorter & less pointed male subgenital plate, and in having elongate male cerci instead of rounded cerci with a dorsal lobe.
Differs from similar looking Phoetaliotes nebrascensis in having head proportionately smaller, and cerci broader apically.
Rare long-winged specimens could be confused with several other species, but the rather plain coloration combined with relatively slender and big-headed proportions will help to distinguish these. The shapes of male cerci and subgenital plate, along with the very short (almost non-existant) male furculae can also help to identify them. Also, long-winged individuals will usually be associated with more abundant and otherwise like-looking short-winged individuals.
Tip of male abdomen
Range
s. TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) and probably into adjacent Mexico. (Roberts 1947),(BG data)
Remarks
In the original description, Roberts considered some specimens to be intermediate with M. plebejus to the north, which would indicate that this is not a different species. However, for the time being the current treatment of Otte in the Orthoptera Species File will be followed here.
Print References
Roberts, H.R. 1947.
Melanoplus plebejus, including Two new subspecies (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Notulae Naturae 188: 1-6. (
full text)