Grasshoppers of Wyoming and the West

Entomology

Key to the Melanoplus Species

Previous Step (F)

G Cerci with small thumb-like projections as seen from rear; furculae nearly one-half length of supra-anal plate; plains of eastern Colorado.
 

Melanoplus arizonae Scudder

Back view of cerci	Cercus	Top view of abdomen tip of male

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G' Cerci without thumb-like projections; furculae less than one-fourth length of supra-anal plate.

Go to H

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H Cerci expanded dorsally and ventrally, at least somewhat boot-shaped although "heel" may be reduced; tip of cerci strongly twisted dorsally; an early season species; widespread in Colorado.

Cercus
Melanoplus confusus (Scudder)

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H' Cerci not boot-shaped, tip bent inward and slightly expanded dorsally but not ventrally; a late season species; widespread in Colorado.
 

Melanoplus gladstoni (Scudder)

Side view of subgenital plate and cercus	Furculae	Back view of subgenital plate

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