Diversification deep in the heart of Texas: seven new grasshopper species and establishment of the Melanoplus discolor species group (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae)

By

Hill, Jovonn

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1165

Pages

101--136

Subjects

Balcones Escarpment , Biodiversity hotspot , Edwards Plateau , Texas Hill Country

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1165.104047

 

Abstract

Melanoplus discolor and Melanoplus kendalli were previously placed in the texanus species group. Here seven new species are described from central Texas and the combined nine species placed into the discolor group based on emergence time and shape of the male terminalia and genital structures. Six of these new species are from the Edwards Plateau, a known area of high endemism. Species of the discolor group are inhabitants of shortgrass or mixed-grass prairies, Ashe juniper or oak savannas.