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Betiscoides meridionalis

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Betiscoides meridionalis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Caelifera
Informal group: Acridomorpha
Superfamily: Acridoidea
Family: Lentulidae
Subfamily: Lentulinae
Genus: Betiscoides
Species:
B. meridionalis
Binomial name
Betiscoides meridionalis

Betiscoides meridionalis, the slender restio grasshopper, is a species of lentulid grasshopper which is endemic to South Africa. It occurs only in the Western Cape where it is found in damp areas, in upland areas and on plateaux, vegetated with Restio species. This flightless grasshopper is threatened by droughts and wildfires which destroy its habitat.[1][3] It is classified as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.[1]

It is a medium sized species, growing to a length of 36 mm (1.4 in), and its thin elongated body mimics the stems of the restios it is found among. Its smooth body is marked with three longitudinal stripes, one green, one grey, and the other brown. Adults are found from January to May.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Hochkirch, A. (2012). "Betiscoides meridionalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T17476731A17477270. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T17476731A17477270.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Cigliano, M. M.; Braun, H.; Eades, D. C.; Otte, D. "genus Betiscoides Sjöstedt, 1923". orthoptera.speciesfile.org. Orthoptera Species File. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  3. ^ a b Mike Picker (2012). Field Guide to the Insects of South Africa. Penguin Random House South Africa. ISBN 978-1920572259.