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Melanoplus sanguinipes
Another small, non-descript spur-throated grasshopper, as most members of the genus Melanoplus are. Shape of male cercus (one of the paired apprendages at the tip of the abdomen), and external genitalia are critical to identification.
Open alpine meadow with scattered conifers on an east-facing slope with an active gold mine nearby. Elevation ~8,000 ft.
Identification provided by Dave Ferguson. This is a very widespread species prone to population explosions in some years, making it a true pest.
Spotted on Oct 10, 2011
Submitted on Jan 9, 2013
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