Agroecotettix moorei sp. nov.

Figs 2 M, 4 I, 5 I, 15 A – J, 25, 26 A, 32 A – D

Diagnosis.

Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci with ventral branch equal or subequal in length to dorsal branch (Figs 2 L, 15 A, B); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized (Fig. 5 I); valves of the aedeagus are lobate and in lateral view, are shallowly incised with a broad distal lobe that is truncated apically, and the basal lobe is shorter (Figs 5 I, 15 D, F); in caudal view the valves of the aedeagus are concave as in Fig. 4 I. Most like A. crypsidomus but differs in shape of the dorsal valves of the male aedeagus which with the broad distal lobe being distinctive for A. moorei . Furthermore, when viewed from above the inner margins of the valves of A. moorei form a right angle as opposed to being broadly rounded in A. crypsidomus .

Male measurements (mm).

(n = 8) Body length 18.5–24.0 (mean = 20.2); pronotum length 4.3–5.0 (mean = 4.6); tegmen length 2.6–3.5 (mean = 3.0); hind femur length 10.0–12.1 (mean = 10.8); cerci length 1.2–1.3 (mean = 1.3); basal width of cercus 0.5 (mean = 0.5); mid-cercal width 0.3–0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.3–0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2–0.3 (mean = 0.6) cerci ventral fork length 0.3–0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1).

Phallus measurements (mm).

(n = 5) Length 0.9–1.0 (mean = 0.9); apex width 0.5–0.6 (mean = 0.5); middle width 0.4–0.5 (mean = 0.5); Basal width 0.7 (mean = 0.7); lateral apex width 0.4–0.6 (mean = 0.5); lateral medial width 0.5–0.8 (mean = 0.6); lateral basal width 0.6–0.7 (mean = 0.6).

Female measurements (mm).

(n = 4) Body length 16.2–27.0 (mean = 22.1); pronotum length 4.8–6.5 (mean = 5.6) tegmen length 3.0–4.3 (mean = 3.6); hind femur length 10.8–14.2 (mean = 12.5); Dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.2–1.4 (mean = 1.3); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.2–1.4 (mean = 1.3).

Holotype.

• 1 ♂, USA, Texas, Terrel Co., Sanderson, 30.1485, -102.3977, 30 Jul 2021, J. G. Hill, Collected in Chihuahuan desert. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum.

Specimens examined.

USA, Texas: • Terrell Co. Sanderson, 25 August 1912, Rehn and Hebard, 2750–3180 ’ (4 ♂, 4 ♀) • Sanderson, 30.1458, -102.3977, 30 July 2021, Z. D. Brown, (1 ♂, 1 ♀) .

Habitat.

Chihuahuan desert scrub (Fig. 32 D).

Distribution.

Apparently, a narrow range endemic species that is restricted to the area around Sanderson, Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert (Figs 25, 26 A).

Etymology.

The species name moorei is a patronym honoring Clayton Moore, the American actor who most famously starred as a fictional Texas Ranger in “ The Lone Ranger ” television series from 1949–1957. Moore’s portrayal of the character embodied qualities of justice, bravery, and a deep connection to the American West. This naming honors Moore’s cultural impact and the desert landscapes that inspired Moore’s legendary character.

Suggested common name.

Moore’s aridland scrub jumper.