Pine-tree Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus punctulatus
Identification 5
This species is camouflaged to match tree trunks and branches. It can usually be recognized by the camouflage pattern, which is often a speckled, finely mottled, or salt and pepper pattern, and the black and gray banding on the outer femur. However, some females can be difficult to identify. Males have distinctive cerci that are greatly expanded at the distal end, sometimes described as boot-shaped. Hind tibiae are orange-brown to dull yellow-brown, according to Bland (2003). According to Vickery and Kevan (1984), hind tibiae are "dull reddish to grayish, with black spines." According to Blatchley (1920), hind tibia are "dull red or gray, or a mixture of both, the spines black."
Feeds on tree leaves and often found on or near trees.
Resources 5
Bland, R.G. 2003. The Orthoptera of Michigan – Biology, Keys, and Descriptions of Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets. Michigan State University Extension, Extension Bulletin E-2815. https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Ag.%20Ext.%202007-Chelsie/PDF/e2815.pdf
Blatchley, W. S. 1920. Orthoptera of Northeastern America: With Especial Reference to the Faunas of Indiana and Florida. Nature Publishing Company, Indianapolis, IN. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/1700
Vickery, V.R. and Kevan, D.K., 1985. The grasshoppers, crickets, and related insects of Canada and adjacent regions. Ulonata: Dermaptera, Cheleutoptera, Notoptera, Dictuoptera, Grylloptera, and Orthoptera. Insects and Arachnids of Canada, Part 14. Agriculture Canada. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2016/aac-aafc/agrhist/A42-42-1985-14-eng.pdf
Occurrence 5
Statewide, perhaps missing from northwest corner.
Froeschner (1954) considered this species uncommon. BugGuide also noted that entomologists considered this species rare, but citizen scientists often find them.
Habitat 5
A woodland species colored to match tree bark. Has been found associated with Pine, Oak, Tamarck, Beech, Willow, and more. Feeds on leaves of these trees. Often found on tree trunks or branches, or leaves/needles.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Dendroica cerulea, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/dendroica/23468440092/
- no rights reserved, uploaded by Kent McFarland
- (c) Soheil Zendeh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Soheil Zendeh
- (c) Kenneth Bader, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kenneth Bader
- (c) Tyler Grant, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
