Grasshoppers of Wyoming and the West

Entomology

Key to the Melanoplus Species

Previous Step (D')

E Smaller branch of cerci on ventral side; hind tibiae red; plains and lower foothills, eastern Colorado.

Cercus
Melanoplus keeleri (Thomas)
See M. keeleri fact sheet from Dr. Pfadt's Field Guide to Common Western Grasshoppers

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E' Smaller branch of cerci on dorsal side.
 

Go to F

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F Smaller, male 15.5 mm, female 20 mm long; apex of subgenital plate not square as viewed from rear; ventral arm of cerci often comparatively straight, tip often rounded; hind tibiae blue; foothills of eastern Colorado, occasionally on eastern plains.
 

Melanoplus infantilis (Scudder)

Back view of subgenital plate	Cercus

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F' Larger, male 22 mm, female 24 mm long; apex of subgenital plate rectangular as viewed from rear; ventral arm of cerci strongly curved downward, tip narrowing to a point; hind tibiae red, blue or brown; mountains at moderate elevations; uncommon.
 

Melanoplus alpinus Scudder
See M. alpinus fact sheet from Dr. Pfadt's Field Guide to Common Western Grasshoppers

Back view of subgenital plate	Cercus

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