Stenopelmatus navajo

Stenopelmatus navajo
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Family: Stenopelmatidae
Genus: Stenopelmatus
Species: S. navajo
Binomial name
Stenopelmatus navajo
Rentz, 1978

Stenopelmatus navajo, commonly known as the Navajo Jerusalem cricket, is a species of nocturnal Jerusalem cricket in the family Stenopelmatidae.[2] It is endemic to the United States, specifically Arizona, and found under rocks in loose soil.[1] The genus name is from the Greek word stenos (στενος)- "narrow, straight" + pelma (πελμα)- "sole (of the foot)". It is closely related to S. fuscus and they have nearly identical drumming patterns. They live one to two years as adults, but can die prematurely by parasitic infections, commonly by the horsehair worm.[3]

Description

It is very large, compared to others of the same genus, with a pale, sand coloration that provides camouflage in sand dunes. Like all Jerusalem crickets, they are wingless and have the ability to regenerate legs. They use their strong, spiny legs to burrow rapidly when disturbed. This species has a wide head and powerful jaws that deliver painful, but non-venomous bites.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 Orthopteroid Specialist Group 1996. Stenopelmatus navajo. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. Downloaded on 14 September 2014.
  2. "Stenopelmatus navajo (overview Navajo Jerusalem cricket)". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  3. 1 2 Rentz, D.C.F. "New species and records of Western Orthoptera" (PDF). ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
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