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Montana Grasshopper - Asemoplus montanus
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General Description
A small, robust species with small linear wings. Dark reddish brown with darker and paler markings. Lateral lobes of pronotum with a pale streak, which is sometimes interrupted (Brooks 1958, Hebard 1928, Helfer 1971, Vickery and Kevan 1985).
Phenology
From the few records reported, this species has been collected from mid-June to the end of August but believed to persist for a few weeks later (Vickery and Kevan 1985).
Diagnostic Characteristics
The following is taken from Brooks (1958), Hebard (1928), Helfer (1971), and Vickery and Kevan (1985). A distinctively small, robust species with a body size 15-19 mm. Both sexes possess a single white to yellowish dorsal longitudinal stripe. Hind femur is pale on outer surface and dark above and below. Hind tibia is yellow with black-tipped spines. The wing pads are separated at their bases by a distance greater than their length.
Could possibly be confused with
Buckell’s Timberline Grasshopper (
Buckellacris nuda ), because both species’ geographic distributions are similar. Examine a male’s terminal segment genitalia cercus and furcula for positive identification.
Buckellacris can be separated by its complete lack of tegmina and wings (Brooks 1958).
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
Southwestern Alberta, southeastern British Columbia, Washington, and northwestern Montana. In Montana, with confirmed reports for 3 counties (Vickery and Kevan 1985).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 3
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Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Collections made “among trailing junipers on north mountain slopes at moderate elevations” mostly near timberline in alpine meadows. (Vickery and Kevan 1985)
Food Habits
Reported to prefer lupines (Helfer 1971).
Stewardship Responsibility
References
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