Stenopelmatus calcaratus Griffini, 1893

Weissman, David B., Vandergast, Amy G., Song, Hojun, Shin, Seunggwan, Mckenna, Duane D. & Ueshima, Norihiro, 2021, Generic relationships of New World Jerusalem crickets (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatoidea: Stenopelmatinae), including all known species of Stenopelmatus, Zootaxa 4917 (1), pp. 1-122 : 26-27

Stenopelmatus calcaratus Griffini

The Moveable Spine Jerusalem Cricket

Figs 19–21

1893. Stenopelmatus calcaratus Griffini. Bollettino Musei di Zoologia ed Anatomia comparata della R. Università di Torino 8 (154): 2. Deposited MRSNT, Torino. Holotype female ( Fig. 19 ), probably last instar based on ventral ovipositor valves ( Fig. 20 ) not tightly grouped as normally seen in adults and ovipositor edges not sclerotized. Plus , the perspective seen in Figs 20 & 21 do not show the valves properly positioned as one should see in an adult (compare with specimen from MNHN discussed below). Type locality “ Messico ( Mexico)” ( Fig. 20 ). Hind tibia with 5 inner and 3 outer spines. Measurements in mm: Body length 28, hind femur length 12, hind femur width 4. New status: nomen dubium, given its almost certain non-adult status, its non-specific locality, and its lack of any notable physical features, all in the face of extensive Jerusalem cricket biodiversity in Mexico.

Derivation of name. “calcaratus” means with a moveable spur (= calcar) or spinelike process, which all Jerusalem crickets have on all 6 legs, including S. lessonae , which Griffini described in the same paper as when he described S. calcaratus . So, we have no idea why this name was chosen by Griffini.

Discussion. Interestingly, there are photos of a supposed female of S. calcaratus (#2202) on the MNHN website, from Mexico: https://science.mnhn.fr/institution/mnhn/collection/eo/item/ensif2735 which clearly show what appears to be an adult ovipositor. One other effort could be undertaken to determine stage of maturity of the holotype: dissect the abdomen and see if mature eggs are present, which would indicate its adult maturation, but still not help with its identity.

Figures

FIGURE 19. Holotype female S. calcaratus.

FIGURE 20. Holotype label (left). Note ventral ovipositor values (right photo, arrow) appear immature.

FIGURE 21. Holotype female. On left, note how ventral ovipositor valves longer than dorsal vales. In adult females, the dorsal valves should be longer and generally surround the ventral valves. Right, on face view of holotype female, showing indications (arrow) of a furrow.