#ZooKeys ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024) DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 Research Article Desert diversification: revision of Agroecotettix Bruner, 1908 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae) with descriptions of sixteen new species from the United States and Mexico JoVonn G. Hill'® 1 Mississippi Entomological Museum, Department of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, USA Corresponding author: JoVonn G. Hill (igh4@msstate. edu) OPEN Gaccess Academic editor: Jun-Jie Gu Received: 1 August 2024 Accepted: 3 October 2024 Published: 21 November 2024 ZooBank: https://zoobank. org/1E047454-E700-4FE4-A8FE- 9828F5797980 Citation: Hill JG (2024) Desert diversification: revision of Agroecotettix Bruner, 1908 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae) with descriptions of sixteen new species from the United States and Mexico. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230. https://doi.org/10.3897/ zookeys.1218.133703 Copyright: © JoVonn G. Hill. This is an open access article distributed under terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (Attribution 4.0 International - CC BY 4.0). Abstract In this study, a morphological revision was conducted of Agroecotettix Bruner, a group of grasshoppers inhabiting open xeric desert scrub, shrublands, and plains, spanning central Texas to central Mexico. The genus was originally described by Bruner in 1908, with two taxa added by Hebard in 1922. Agroecotettix has remained unrevised despite numerous collections. This exploration, spurred by a novel discovery of significant male genitalia variation in Agroecotettix aristus aristus, suggests undescribed species. Through morphological specimen comparisons, sixteen new species are described from biologically rich regions of the South Texas Plains, Chihuahuan Desert, and Sierra Madre Oriental. The new taxa described here are A. silverheelsi sp. nov., A. xiphophorus sp. nov., A. glochinos sp. nov., A. texmex sp. nov., A. cumbres sp. nov., A. burtoni sp. nov., A. moorei sp. nov., A. chiantiensis sp. nov., A. dorni sp. nov., A. chisosensis sp. nov., A. turneri sp. nov., A. quitmanensis sp. nov., A. vaquero sp. nov., A. forcipatus sp. nov., A. idic sp. nov., and A. kahloae sp. nov. This discovery sheds light on desert biodiversity and hints at a Pleistocene radiation akin to other melanoplines, urging further exploration to enrich our understanding of this fascinating lineage and unravel the biogeographic history within these arid landscapes. Key words: Aridland scrub jumpers, Big Bend National Park, biodiversity, Chihuahuan Desert, Sierra Madre Oriental, Trans Pecos region Introduction Agroecotettix Bruner, 1908 are commonly found in open shrublands, plains, and xeric desert scrub from central Texas to southeastern New Mexico, south to central Mexico. Bruner (1908) established the genus with the description of Agroecotettix modestus based on a female collected from Ciudad Lerdo, Coa- huila, Mexico. Hebard (1922) added Agroecotettix aristus aristus and Agroeco- tettix aristus crypsidomus from Uvalde and Marathon, Texas, USA respectively, resulting in three described taxa. Despite the passage of time since Hebard’s work, species hypotheses in Agroecotettix have not been tested. Numerous collections have provided a wealth of material for study over the years, including those of Dr. Ted Cohn 177 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix from Mexico and recent efforts by the Mississippi Entomological Museum from Texas. During examination of specimens collected from Texas in 2020, a notable variation in the male genitalia of A. aristus, was suggestive that an undescribed species was present. Characters of the male genitalia have long been used for species hypotheses of Melanoplinae, and those hypotheses have withstood testing by molecular analyses (Hubbell 1932; Otte 2012; Hill 2015; Woller 2017; Huang et al. 2020). Upon gathering numerous specimens of Agroecotettix, it became evident that the genus is distributed across several biologically diverse regions, includ- ing the Edwards Plateau, the South Texas Plains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Sierra Madre Oriental. Given the recent description of cryptic diversity in other melanopline grasshoppers in these areas (Otte 2012; Barrientos-Lozano et al. 2013a; Otte 2019; Hill 2023), it is likely that further explorations will unveil additional species of Agroecotettix. Materials and methods Most specimens examined in this study were borrowed from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ) and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (ANSP). Other specimens were collected by staff of the Mississippi Entomological Museum (MEM) during the summers of 2018- 2023. Specimens were obtained by capturing them with a standard insect net. The captured individuals were placed into a jar containing potassium cyanide, for pinning, or 100% ethanol for molecular work. Specimens from New Mexico were borrowed from Brigham Young Arthropod Museum (BYUC) and the Uni- versity of Kansas Natural History Museum (SEMC). All type specimens of new- ly described species are deposited in the MEM. Nomenclature follows Cigliano et al. (2024). Specimens collected by the MEM have been databased in the Symbiota Collection of Arthropods Network. Internal male genitalia, which are typically concealed within the terminalia, were either exposed upon pinning fresh specimens, or the specimen was re- laxed by soaking in warm water, then the genital mass was either extruded or dissected and examined in a manner similar to Gurney and Brooks 1959. Ter- minology for external morphology and male genitalia follows Carbonell (2007) and Eades (2000). Habitus and internal genitalia images were produced using a Leica DFC 495 digital camera mounted on a Leica Z16 microscope with mo- torized z-stepping. Image stacks were merged using Leica Application Suite V 4.1.0 with the Montage Module. Images were edited using Adobe Photoshop CS6 software. A green label stating “Measured by JGH” was added to the spec- imens measured in this study. Measurements were made with a Leica MZ 12.5 stereomicroscope with a reticule in the following ways: * Body length — Dorsally from the fastigium verticis to the distal end of the genicular lobe of the hind femur in a parallel plane with the abdomen * Pronotum length — Dorsally, along the median carina * Male cercus length — Laterally, maximum measurement of the left cercus - Male cercus basal width — Laterally, along the point of attachment from the dorsal to ventral margin * Male mid cercus width — Laterally, at the mid-length of the left cercus ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 178 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix * Male cercus ventral branch length — Laterally, from beginning of the fork to the apex * Male cercus ventral branch apex width — Laterally, along the distal end * Male cercus dorsal branch length — Laterally, from beginning of the fork to the apex - Male cercus dorsal branch apex width — Laterally, along the distal end * Female dorsal ovipositor valve — Laterally, from the base to the apex - Female ventral ovipositor valve — Laterally, from the base to the apex Taxonomic account Agroecotettix Bruner 1908 Diagnosis. A genus of medium-sized (18-31.1 mm) brachypterous grasshop- pers (Fig. 1). Head large and as broad or slightly broader than the prozona; vertex between the eyes slightly wider than the basal antennomere; fastigium Figure 1. Habitus illustrations of Agroecotettix aristus A male B female. Created by Ashley Baker. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 179 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix broadly rounded being more pronounced dorsally than ventrally, with a shal- low medial depression throughout. Eyes somewhat prominent, especially in males. Three ocelli present. Antennae filiform, usually with 23 flagellomeres, but occasionally 24 or 25; nearly cylindrical, but slightly flattened dorso-ven- trally; equal in width throughout, except two basal articles. Thorax with pros- ternal spine well-developed; subquadrate basally and acutely pointed distally. Pronotum slightly convex, anterior and caudal margins sub-truncate, lateral margins sub parallel. Prozona mostly smooth, with light punctation along the apical margin, then smooth throughout; lateral lobes quadrate (more so in fe- males) with parallel lateral margins and the ventral margin sloping ventral- ly caudally. Metazona punctate throughout, with humeral margins rounded, slightly diverging posteriorly in dorsal view. Median carina low, but distinct throughout, except where the sulci cross it. Anterior, median, and posterior sulci are apparent due to their black coloration, and all dissect the median carina and nearly reach the ventral margin of the lateral lobes. Lateral pronotal margins broadly rounded on the prozona and slightly angular on the metazo- na. Interspace between mesosternal lobes nearly twice as long as broad. Teg- mina broadly oval; dorsal margins only slightly separated dorsally; strongly veined; extending little past the anterior margin of the first abdominal tergite. Pro and meso thoracic legs robust, inflated, and bowed. Hind femur enlarged with basal end bi-lobed. Hind tibia with 11 or 12 pairs of spines, but typically 11. Tympanum present under tegmina, appearing as an opaque whitish disk. Abdomen cylindrical with distal portion distinctly, but not greatly enlarged. Terminalia of male with bifurcate cerci (Figs 2A-T, 3A, B), longer than wide, but the length and angle of the branches varies between species, the dor- sal branch is rounded distally and flattened ventrally, the ventral branch is produced as straight and slender spike. Subgenital plate with a low but even margin. Furcula (Fig. 3A) typically broadly rounded protuberances, projecting slightly beyond the end of the segment from which they originate; well sepa- rated. Supra-anal plate (Fig. 3A, B) of male broadly triangular, length equal to the width of the base, with the median groove anteriorly distinct with elevated sides that fade caudally; with a small median tubercule lateral to the groove. Pallium evident, sometimes prominent (Fig. 7B) and covering the dorsally pro- jecting internal genitalia. Phallic structures (Fig. 3C—-F). The valves of the ae- deagus are quite variable between species, but in Agroecotettix the dorsal and ventral valves appear to be fused into a single structure that when paired bilat- erally form a central channel. In the aristus group, the sheath of the aedeagus is produced as thickened, fleshy projections on the dorsal side of the valves (Figs 4A-F, 5A-F). The valves in the aristus group are entire in lateral profile (Fig. 54—F). In the crypsidomus group, the sheath of the aedeagus is produced as thin projections on the dorsal side of the valves (Figs 4G-R, 5G-R). The valves of most species in the crypsidomus group are often lobate or undu- late in lateral profile, though some are entire (Fig. 5G—R). The epiphallus is of the typical melanoploid shape, having lophi, ancorae, and an undivided bridge, but more precisely, members of Agroecotettix have a concave bridge, broadly rounded lophi, convexly curved lateral plates that are subdeltate in shape with a rounded anterior lobe and an acuminate caudal tip, and ancorae that are triangular, often tapering to a point (Fig. 3C, D). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 180 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 2. Agroecotettix cerci in lateral view unless noted otherwise A A. aristus BA. silverheelsi C A. xiphophorus D A. xiphophorus ventral view E A. texmex F A. cumbres G A. crypsidomus H A. chisosensis 1A. dorni J A. burtoni K A. turneri L A. quitmanensis MA. moorei NA. chiantiensis O A. vaquero P A. forcipatus Q A. kahloae RA kahloae ven- tral view S A. idic lateral view T A. idic dorsal. Females are similar to the males, but differ in being larger, more robust, with proportionately broader tegmina, and in the shape of the terminalia (Figs 1B, 6, 15C, E, 16D, 17E, F, 18G, H, 19D, 21C). Terminalia of female with triangular cerci and ovipositor valves that are subequal in length. The dorsal valves with their dorsum being nodose to slightly serrate proximally and concave and upcurving to a tip distally. The ventral valves with their ventral margins straight basally and then arching distally (Fig. 6). Coloration. Ochraceous (brownish yellow) overall, with individual varia- tion that can be either a tawny or cinereous hue (see Figs 26-35), with a conspicuous round, lighter tawny spot laterad on the metathorax near the bast of the tegmina. Head with black markings, including a band along the dorsum, flecks on the genae and a post-ocular stripe. Pronotum with the post-ocular stripe continuing onto the prozona and mesosoma and then dis- appearing on the metazona; median carinae and sulci black. The wings are ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 181 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 3. Morphology of the male terminalia and phallic complex of Agroecotettix used in this work A dorsal view of male terminalia B Lateral view of the male terminalia C dorsal view of the phallic complex D lateral view of the phallic complex E epiphallus dorsal and caudal views F caudal view of the aedeagus. dark brown with a network of ochraceous veins. Abdomen with proximal tergites suffused with black spots. Ventral surface of the body pale with black sutures between the sternites. Male subgenital plate with a medial black spot. The fore and middle legs unmarked. The hind femur with two thick transverse bands laterally and suffused with black dorsally; genicular ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 182 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 4. Caudal view of the aedeagus of Agroecotettix A. A. silverheelsi B A. aristus C A. xiphophorus D A. glochinos E A. texmex F A. cumbres G A. crypsidomus H A. burtoni | A. moorei J A. chiantiensis K A. forcipatus L A. quitmanensis MA. dorni NA. chisosensis O A. turneri P A. vaquero QA. idic RA. kahloae. Scale bars: 1.0 mm. area black with ochraceous lobes; inner face bright yellow, and coral-red ventrally and crossed by black bands distally. Hind tibia with the first third ochraceous proximally, then with a ring of black, remaining two-thirds bright coral red with black tipped spines. Etymology. Agro Latin = open country, eco Greek home, tettix Greek grass- hopper. Suggested common name. Aridland scrub jumpers. In reference to the arid habitat and plant community in which these grasshoppers are found. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 183 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Yr aes ee | fj M2: Figure 5. Lateral view of the aedeagus of Agroecotettix A A. silverheelsi B A. aristus C A. xiphophorus D A. glochinos E A. texmex F A. cumbres G A. crypsidomus H A. burtoni 1 A. moorei J A. chiantiensis K A. forcipatus L A. quitmanensis MA. dorniN A. chisosensis O A. turneri P A. vaquero QA. idic R A. kahloae. Agroecotettix superficially resemble Phaulotettix, but can be differentiated as follows: Agroecotettix 1. Tegmina broad and oval; attingent, nearly touching dorsally 2. Metathorax with a pale-colored spot ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 184 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix 3. Cerci bifurcated 4. Hind tibia gray or yellow proximately, turning bright red distally 5. Inside of hind femur red 6. Furculae short and broad, and well separated from each other Phaulotettix 1. Tegmina linear; their dorsal margins widely separated dorsally 2. Metathorax with a pale-colored stripe 3. Cerci falcate, simple 4. Hind tibia blue proximately, turning red distally 5. Inside of hind femur not red 6. Furculae short, obvious, linear; attingent or touching Key to Agroecotettix 1 Male cerci with ventral branch longer than dorsal branch as in Fig. 2A-F; sheath of aedeagus produced as thickened fleshy lobes dorsal to the valves aS71M FIGS, As Pees i. 6 hee eee Pee Voie Jeter, tN A. aristus group 3 Male cerci with ventral branch equal, subequal, or shorter than the dorsal branch as in Fig. 2G-T; sheath of aedeagus not produced as thickened fleshy lobes dorsal to the valves (FigS 4G—R, 5G—R).........cccccsececcseseeeeenes 8 Occurring north of the Rio Grande River in the United States..................... 3 Occurring south of the Rio Grande River in M@XICO.................cccsecceesseeeeeneees 5 Valves of aedeagus shorter than the sheath in lateral view; and with broadly rounded apices (Figs 4B, 5B); found in the South Texas Plains (Fig. 25A).... CAE AN Meno Soi POO CANE I ape CEs aAMp CRM aR GeeR Aes Oem wae eRe EBC A. silverheelsi sp. nov. Valves of aedeagus longer, extending well beyond the sheath in lateral view In caudal view, the valves of the aedeagus are relatively narrower and form- ing parallel dorsal and ventral arches that are narrowly rounded at their api- ces as in Fig. 4B; in lateral view; the distal edge of the valves are broadly rounded as in Fig. 5B; found across central west Texas to southern New MeExiGO: (RIG 225A). cocci. aeameefattcutana sents ntarmetactaneucchahtee-ccie A. aristus Hebard In caudal view, the valves of the aedeagus are relatively more wider and form distally diverging arches that are more broadly rounded at their apices as in Fig. 4E; In lateral view, the distal edge of the valves forming an acute point dorsally, but with a broadly rounded ventral edge (Fig. 5E); found in extreme southern Texas in the vicinity of Jim Hogg County (Fig. 25A)......... LE SN an even RN eT mE reve RS Ae APS A. texmex sp. nov. (in part) Male cerci with branches widely separated and with the ventral branch much longer than the dorsal branch as in Fig. 2C, D; valves of the aedeagus with their dorsal margin somewhat bilobed and the ventral margin broadly rounded and with their distal apices diverging laterally as in Figs 4C, 5C; found in west-cen- tral Nuevo Leon, Mexico (Fig. 25A, C) .....cccccccssesceeeeeees A. xiphophorus sp. nov. Male cerci with branches not widely separated and with the ventral branch only slightly longer than the dorsal branch as in Fig. 2E, F; valves of the ae- deagus with their dorsal margin not DilODEd ....... 2... eee cceeeeeeesteeeeeneeeeeeees 6 ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 185 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix 6 Valves of the aedeagus with their lateral margins greatly expanded central- ly and with the dorsal apices forming acute parallel points and the ventral apices forming rounded parallel arches in caudal view as in Fig. 4D; in lat- eral view the valves are directed apically (Fig. 5D); found in the vicinity of (saleana, WIX ARI AZAR, Ci ccctticrcidetoancteet ee tamemacnteies A. glochinos sp. nov. - Valves of the aedeagus with their apices diverging distally in caudal view as in Fig. 4D, E; in lateral view the valves are directed more caudally as in Fig. 7 In caudal view, the valves of the aedeagus relatively narrower (Fig. 4); in lateral view, the ventral edge of the valves are broadly rounded at their api- ces (Fig. 5E); found in the vicinity northern Nuevo Leén, Mexico (Fig. 25A). Ye Ee ee, eee ee A. texmex sp. nov. (in part) - In caudal view, the valves of the aedeagus are very broad (Fig. 4F); and are more broadly rounded at their apices (Fig. 4F) and in lateral view with their distal edge forming an acute point dorsally and the ventral edge truncated (Fig. 5F); found in the vicinity of Galeana, Mexico (Figs 25A, 26B)................ Leahitte catiph ee ec tlias chased HER ce Res eadis ictarvah Maenaomtrne Mic Mui cabrechiees A. cumbres sp. nov. 8 In lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are lobate as in Fig. 5G—J.......... ected ei ROBES sa Gin cla SOY Lata a AR as SRE neheg Ss ekg ERTS has Nee aan A. crypsidomus group 9 - In lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are falcate or quadrate laterally ASTM) PUIG Paitee ws tes eo arene ccc 2 cone ean oy Iu aie OE ER Li eaten: 13 9 In lateral view, the distal lobes of the aedeagus valves are more widely in- cised and the basal lobes are small or absent as in as in Fig. 5G, H, and in caudal view the dorsal valve is deeply undulate as in Fig. 4G, H............... 11 10 In lateral view, the apical lobes of the aedeagus valves are narrowly, but deeply incised resulting in the basal lobe being more pronounced and obvi- OUTS Ha STIMU eee RE el a I EE ik 12 11 In lateral view, basal lobe of aedeagus valves extending much beyond the sheath (Fig. 4G); dorsal lobes projected laterally in caudal view (Fig. 5G); Marathon, Texas (Figs 25, 26A) .........cccccseseeseeeeee A. crypsidomus Hebard - In lateral view, basal lobe of aedeagus valves not extending much be- yond the sheath (Fig. 5H); dorsal lobe almost vertical or curving medially (Fig. 5H); Big Bend region of Texas (Figs 25, 26A)........... A. burtoni sp. nov. 12 In lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are shallowly incised with a broad distal lobe that is truncated apically, and the basal lobe is shorter (Fig. 51); in caudal view the valves of the aedeagus are concave as in Fig. 41; Found in the vicinity of Sanderson, Texas (Figs 25, 26A)..........c:cccceeee A. moorei sp. nov. - In lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are deeply incised with a nar- rower and slightly acute distal lobe, and a longer basal lobe as in Fig. 5J; in caudal view the valves of the aedeagus are convex as in Fig. 4J; found in the Chianti Mountains of southern Texas (Figs 25, 26A)..........c:cccscscseseeeees Pes i Wy es cane dr Pena te ccctesea've a ee Mt buna n ade eats og ernst A. chiantiensis sp. nov. 13 Occurring north of the Rio Grande River in the United States..................... 14 - Occurring south of the Rio Grande River in MeXiCO..............c:ccccsscceeseeeees 17 14 In lateral view, the apices of the valves of the aedeagus point caudally as in Fig. 5M, found in the vicinity of western Brewster County, Texas (Figs 25, DOAN A TE. 3. desc seta oced enact Haale adware seidvtacaveannitl apak ces A. turneri sp. nov. - In lateral view, the apices of the valves of the aedeagus curve apically as is 8S fo) D3 @ fi drereee ie: Rrpieg oils rv Sem Dad Retin Ml a nA, few ez hand ee ange a eth ee 15 ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 186 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix 15 16 17 18 19 In lateral view, the apical edge of the valves of the aedeagus are thicker fin- ger-like projections as in Fig. 5L; found in the vicinity of the Quitman Moun- tains in Hudspeth County, Texas (Figs 25, 26A)........ A. quitmanensis sp. nov. In lateral view, the apical edge of the valves of the aedeagus are thin blade- KREPROfECTIONS AStIT ERG COME IN acter vcaatsabsfuestescrntiea tenet ewan! 16 In lateral view, the valves of aedeagus thinly falcate, long and sword-like as in Figs 5M, and in caudal view the lateral margins extend well beyond the rest of the valves and their apical margins are slightly curved distally as in 4M; found in the southern Big Bend region of Texas (Figs 25, 26A, B).......... Pola Sateen, omonene ein dicanamcehcvsneleiod Meck acteta luda Men ccetn suas’ cong ltOet A. dorni sp. nov. In lateral view, the valves of aedeagus broad as in Fig. 5N, and in caudal view the lateral margins do not extend well beyond the rest of the valves and their apical margins are curved medially as in Fig. 4N; endemic to the Chisos Moun- tains of the Big Bend region of Texas (Figs 25, 26A)......A. chisosensis sp. nov. Male cerci with the ventral branch reduced and rounded as in Fig. 20; in lateral view, the sheath of the aedeagus is well developed and expanded lat- erally around the valves; in lateral view, the aedeagus valves are wide with their apices broadly curved (Fig. 5P); in caudal view the valves or greatly narrowed in their apical third as in Fig. 4P; found in northern Coahuila, Mex- pekoN le bur 2c) peepee AOn Uae a Ree iveer on Sane a A. vaquero sp. nov. Male cerci longer with both dorsal and ventral branches well produced....... 18 Male cerci short and not curved medially as in Fig. 2P; in lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are acutely pointed apically and are greatly wid- ened in their lower half; in caudal view the apical margins of the valves are slightly curved distally as in Fig. 40; found southern Coahuila, Mexico in the vicinity of the Sierra de la Gloria (Fig. 25) ..............00. A. forcipatus sp. nov. Male cerci longer (Fig. 2Q-T); dorsal and lower branches subequal in [2] g 16h Raat eee eee. a APR PRO oe x ona be Winer Se 5. Pee OR ene fereeesly aes. Memes 19 Male cercus gently curved medially (Fig. 2Q, R); in lateral view the valves of the aedeagus are narrowly quadrate with the distal apices truncate apically as in Figs 4Q, 5Q; in caudal view the valves are also quadrate with the apical margin truncate as in Figs 4R, 5R; found in the vicinity of Saltillo, Mexico CRIS 02 OL concep casera nescence fieceas csc duatenetipessnss Pustrenatedtect-eagtentias A. idic sp. nov. Male cercus strongly curved medially (Fig. 2S, T); in lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are broad and arching with the distal apices rounded (Fig. 5R); in caudal view, valves acuminate; Arteaga, Mexico (Figs 25, 26B) Lae RRS I RSE RR RRR se TEBE eh RENE teh A. kahloae sp. nov. Agroecotettix species checklist Incertae sedis 1. Agroecotettix modestus Brunner, 1908, stat. nov. — Figs 6, 25 A. aristus group 2. Agroecotettix silverheelsi sp. nov. — Figs 2B, 4A, 5A, 7A-J, 23A-C, 25, 26A 3. Agroecotettix aristus Hebard, 1922, stat. nov. — Figs 2A, 4B, 5B, 8A-J, 25, 26A, 28A-E, 29A-E ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 187 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix 4. Agroecotettix xiphophorus sp. nov. — Figs 2C, D, 4C, 5C, 9A-J, 25, 26B 5. Agroecotettix glochinos sp. nov. — Figs 4D, 5D, 10A-J, 25, 26B 6. Agroecotettix texmex sp. nov. — Figs 2E, 4E, 5E, 11A—J, 25, 26B 7. Agroecotettix cumbres sp. nov. — Figs 2F, 4F, 5F, 12A—-J, 25, 26B A. crypsidomus group 8. Agroecotettix crypsidomus Hebard, 1922, stat. nov. — Figs 2G, 4G, 5G, 13A-J, 25, 26A, 31A-F 9. Agroecotettix burtoni sp. nov. — Figs 2J, 4H, 5H, 14A—-J, 25, 26A, 31A-D 10. Agroecotettix moorei sp. nov. — Figs 2M, 4l, 51, 15A—J, 25, 26A, 32A—-D 11. Agroecotettix chiantiensis sp. nov. — Figs 2N, 4J, 5J, 16A—-J, 25, 26A, 33A-C 12. Agroecotettix dorni sp. nov. — Figs 21, 4M, 5M, 17A-J, 25, 26A, 34A-D 13. Agroecotettix chisosensis sp. nov. — Figs 2H, 4N, 5N, 18A-J, 25, 26A, 36A-E 14. Agroecotettix turneri sp. nov. — Figs 2K, 4K, 5K, 19A—J, 25, 26A, 36A-D 15. Agroecotettix quitmanensis sp. nov. — Figs 2L, 4P 5P 20A-J, 25, 26A 16. Agroecotettix vaquero sp. nov. — Figs 2T, 4P 5P 21A—J, 25 17. Agroecotettix forcipatus sp. nov. — Figs 20, 40, 50, 22A-J, 25 18. Agroecotettix idic sp. nov. — Figs 2S, 4Q, 5Q, 23A-J, 25, 26B 19. Agroecotettix kahloae sp. nov. — Figs 2Q, 4R, 5R, 24A-J, 25, 26B Species accounts Agroecotettix modestus Bruner, 1908, stat. nov. Figs 6, 25 Agroecotettix modestus Bruner, L., 1908. Biologia Centrali-Americana 2: 312. Agroecotettix modestus modestus Bruner, 1908: Fontana et al. 2008: 155. Agroecotettix modestus modestus Bruner, 1908: Barrientos-Lozano et al. 20136-21711 22102. Diagnosis. None of the diagnostic characters used here or typically in the Mela- noplinae for species level diagnosis are available as this species is known only from the female type. Figure 6. Habitus of type specimen of Agroecotettix modestus. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 188 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Female measurements (mm. (n = 1) Body length 28.7; pronotum length 6.9; tegmen length 5.0; hind femur length 15.5; dorsal ovipositor valve length 2.0; ventral ovipositor valve length 2.0. Holotype examined. » 12, MExico, Durango, Lerdo, November. Deposited in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Habitat. Bruner (1908) did not report any habitat or environmental data, but it is likely desert scrub as with other members of the genus. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 25). Note. Given that the only known specimen of this species is female, and it is a distributional outlier with other species occurring between its distribution and that of its subspecies, A. modestus is raised to species level. Etymology. modestus Latin = modest. Suggested common name. Modest aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix silverheelsi sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/27EE581 C-3C87-4296-A82B-536AAC187499 Figs 2B, 4A, 5A, 7A-J, 25, 23A-C, 25, 26A Diagnosis. Differentiated from the other species in the group based on the male cerci that have the ventral branch longer than the dorsal branch and by the male aedeagus that has a thickened sheath, and the valves of that are shorter than the sheath with broadly rounded apices (Figs 4A, 5A). Most similar to A. aristus and A. texmex but differs from those by the shape of the male genitalia which in caudal view, has the valves of the aedeagus relatively shorter and broader than in A. aristus (Figs 4B, 5B) and by the having valves that that are parallel (Figs 4A, 5A) as opposed to diverging apically as in A. texmex. (Figs 4D, 5D); in lateral view, the distal edge of the valves is broadly rounded. Male measurements (mm). (n = 7) Body length 20.6-24.5 (mean = 22.7); pronotum length 4.4-5.5 (mean = 5.2); tegmen length 2.9-4.0 (mean = 3.4); hind femur length 10.4-12.4 (mean = 11.6); cerci length 1.4—1.7 (mean = 1.6); basal width of cercus 0.5—0.6 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.4—0.5 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2 (mean = 0.2); cerci ventral fork length 0.6—-0.8 (mean = 0.6); cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 3) Length 0.7—-0.8 (mean = 0.8); apex width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.4); middle width 0.5-0.8 (mean = 0.7); basal width 0.6-0.7 (mean = 0.6); lateral apex width 0.2—-0.4 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.3—-0.4 (mean = 0.3); lateral basal width 05-0.7 (mean = 0.6). Female measurements (mm). (n = 3) Body length 25.2—27.2 (mean = 26.2); pronotum length 6.5—7.2 (mean = 6.8) tegmen length 4.5—5.1 (mean = 4.8); hind femur length 13.2-15.2 (mean = 14.2); dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.2- 2.1 (mean = 1.8); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.2—2.1 (mean = 1.8). Holotype. » 1, USA, Texas, Dimmit Co., Asherton, 28.4559, -99.7778, 19 July 2020, J.G. Hill; open grassland with Opuntia, Cylindropuntia, and Prosopis. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: * Dimmit Co., Asherton, 28.4559, -99.7778, 19 July 2020, J.G. Hill (14, 12). * Maverick Co., 1.8 mi E Eagle Pass, 18 August 1961, I.J. Cantrall and T.J. Cohn (56, 29). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 189 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 7. Agroecotettix silverheelsi A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Habitat. On Vachellia branches in an open grassland with Opuntia, Cylindro- puntia, and Prosopis (Fig. 26C). Distribution. Known only from the northwestern South Texas Plains region of Texas (Fig. 25). Etymology. The name silverheelsi is a patronym honoring Jay Silverheels. a Native American athlete and actor who most famously portrayed the fictional ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 190 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix character Tonto in “The Lone Ranger” television series from 1949-1957. Silver- heels was one of the first Native American actors to portray a major Indigenous character on a television series. Throughout his career, Silverheels advocated for more inclusion of Indigenous people in media and founded the Indian Ac- tors Workshop in Los Angeles during the 1960's. This naming honors Silver- heels’ cultural impact and the Texas landscapes where the series was Set. Suggested common name. Silverheels’ aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix aristus Hebard, 1922, stat. nov. Figs 2A, 4B, 5B, 8A-J, 25, 26A, 28A-E, 29A-E Agroecotettix modestus aristus Hebard, 1922. Trans. Amer. Entomol. Soc. 48(1): 49. Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci that have the lower branch longer than the dorsal branch and the male aedeagus that has a thickened sheath and valves that are longer than the sheath and have narrowly rounded apices (Figs 4B, 5B). Most similar to A. sil- verheelsi and A. texmex but differ from those by the shape of the male genitalia which in caudal view, has the valves of the aedeagus longer and narrower than in A. silverheelsi (Figs 4A, 5A) and parallel and narrowly rounded apices as op- posed to the broad, latterly diverging apices of A. texmex (Figs 4D, 5D). In lateral view, the distal edge of the valves is broadly rounded as in Fig. 5B. Male measurements (mm). (n = 16) Body length 19.5-24.9 (mean = 22.4); pronotum length 4.4-6.2 (mean = 5.2); tegmen length 2.7-4.6 (mean = 3.4); hind femur length 10.4-14.0 (mean = 11.7); cerci length 1.2-1.7 (mean = 1.5); basal width of cercus 0.5-0.7 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.1-0.3 (mean = 0.2) cerci ventral fork length 0.4—0.6 (mean = 0.5); cerci ven- tral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 16) Length 0.6—-0.8 (mean = 0.7); apex width 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.3); middle width 0.4-0.6 (mean = 0.5); basal width 0.5-0.8 (mean = 0.6); lateral apex width 0.2-0.3 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.4); lateral basal width 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.5). Female measurements (mm). (n = 9) Body length 25.5-27.6 (mean = 26.9); pronotum length 6.5-7.3 (mean = 7.0) tegmen length 3.3-6.5 (mean = 4.4); hind femur length 13.3-15.5 (mean = 14.7); Dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.5- 2.0 (mean = 1.8); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.5—2.0 (mean = 1.8). Holotype. - 1, USA, Texas, Uvalde, 22 August 1912, Rehn and Hebard, 1000-1100 ft. Specimens examined. USA, New Mexico: + Eddy Co., Sitting Bull Falls, 22 August 1985, B. Ruish, Whiting, (14) + Lincoln National Forest, Sitting Bull Falls, 32.2461, -104.6979, 27 September 2024, J.G. Hill (24, 19). Texas: Culberson Co., Frijole, 4-16 July 1935, J.M. Brennan (14) * Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mountains State Park, 30.5992, -103.9075, 16 July 2023, J.G. Hill (16, 19) * Kimble Co., 5 mi SW Junction, 5 August 1955, T.J. Cohn, 1750 ft (1) « Kinney Co., 2 mi S Brackettville, 30 July 1959, T.J. Cohn, 1100 ft (1) * Mitch- ell Co., 1 mi W Colorado City, 9 July 1956, T.J. Cohn, E. Matthews, 2100 ft ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 191 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 8. Agroecotettix aristus A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus I caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. (23) + Odessa Co., Sheffield, 23 October 1931, L. Seaton (14, 19) + Sterling Co., 7 mi NE Sterling City, 27 June 1967, T.J. Cohn (1.3) * Upton Co., 8.8 mi W. Rankin, 31.1533, -102.0650, 16 July 2023, J.G. Hill, J.L. Seltzer (1) * Terrell Co., 18 mi S Sheffield, 1 June 1949, W.F. Blair (14, 12) * Uvalde Co., Concan, 6 July 1936, R.H. Beamer (1<') * Pecos Co., 6 mi W Ft. Stockton, 8 August ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 192 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix 1956, T.J. Cohn 3000 ft. (2<') * Uvalde, 22 August 1912, Rehn and Hebard, 1000-1100 ft (Paratypes) (14', 12) * 21 mi N Uvalde, 29.4636, -100.01389, 29 July 2020, M.J. Thorn, J.G. Hill (14, 22) * Val Verde Co., 6.5 mi SE Com- stock, 23 August 1956, T.J. Cohn, 1400 ft (14) * 22 mi NW (rd.) Loma Alta, 31 August 1958 T.J. Cohn (1) * Pecos River x HWY 90, 29.705, -101.35084, 24 July 2020, J.G. Hill (14, 19). Habitat. Often found on or associated with thorny leguminous shrubs. On the Edwards Plateau in Texas, this species is often found on stunted, low shrubs growing just above ground level amongst the limestone rocks (Fig. 28A-F). In the Davis Mountains and the northern Chihuahuan Desert, this species was observed on the interior branches of larger (> 2 m tall) Vachellia species (Fig. 29A-E). Distribution. Found across central and west Texas to southeastern New Mexico (Figs 25, 26A). Note. Given that the only known specimen of A. modestus is female and it is a distributional outlier, with other species occurring between its distribu- tion and that of its subspecies, A. modestus was raised to species level above. Additionally, due to the differences in the internal male genitalia, A. aristus and A. crypsidomus are each raised to species level. Etymology. Hebard (1922) did not indicate the etymology in the description of this species, but it is likely from Latin arista in reference to the aristate or awn-like point of the male cerci in this genus. Suggested common name. Aristate aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix xiphophorus sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/D5ABD4CA-455E-4C03-8C3A-F6BF29A1147C Figs 2C, D, 4C, 5C, 9A-J, 25, 26B Diagnosis. Easily differentiated from other species in the genus by the combi- nation of male cerci with branches widely separated and with the ventral branch much longer than the dorsal branch (Figs 2C, D, 9A, B), the male aedeagus that has a thickened sheath and valves with somewhat bilobed dorsal margins and broadly rounded ventral margins that have with their distal apices diverging laterally (Figs 4C, 5C). Most like A. idic and A. kahloae but is distinguished from those species by the shape of the male cerci, which in A. idic and A. kahloae are smaller with the dorsal and ventral branches of similar length, and by the shape of the male phallic complex (Figs 9C-G, 23C-—-G, 24C-G). Male measurements (mm). (n = 8) Body length 21.8-27.5 (mean = 24.8); pronotum length 5.0-6.7 (mean = 5.9); tegmen length 3.5-4.6 (mean = 4.1); hind femur length 11.7-14.1 (mean = 12.9); cerci length 2.0-2.5 (mean = 2.3); basal width of cercus 0.5—-0.7 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.3-0.7 (mean = 0.6); cerci ventral arm length 1.2—1.7 (mean = 1.5); cerci ventral arm apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1) cerci dorsal arm length 0.6-0.9 (mean = 0.8); cerci dorsal arm apex width 0.2—-0.4 (mean = 0.3). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 5) Length 0.7-1.0 (mean = 0.8); apex width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.5); middle width 0.9-1.0 (mean = 0.9); basal width 0.6-0.7 (mean = 0.7); lateral apex width 0.2-0.4 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.4—0.6 (mean = 0.5); lateral basal width 0.5-0.9 (mean = 0.7). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 193 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 9. Agroecotettix xiphophorus A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Female measurements (mm). (n = 7) Body length 24.0-31.3 (mean = 27.5); pronotum length 6.7-8.8 (mean = 7.5); tegmen length 4.1-5.3 (mean = 4.7); hind femur length 14.4—16.7 (mean = 15.5) Dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.6- 2.5 (mean = 2.0); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.6—2.5 (mean = 2.0). Holotype. « 1<, Mexico, Nuevo Leon, 1.7 mi W Santa Caterina. 8 August 1959, T.J. Cohn, 2380 ft, #155. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 194 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Specimens examined. Mexico, Nuevo Leon: + Monterrey airport, 14 July 1964, T.J. Cohn (24,12) * 5 mi W Monterrey, 16 July 1936, H.R. Roberts, 3000 ft. (24, 22) + Villa de Garcia, 28-29 August 1966, J. Mathieu (4¢, 39). Habitat. Cohn (1959) lists the habitat at the type locality as a fair patch of roadside weeds, especially a tall sticky composite and blue flowered solana- ceous plant with spaced out low trees of Acacia and mesquite. Distribution. Found west-central Nuevo Leon, Mexico (Figs 25, 26B). Etymology. xiphos Greek = sword; phorus Greek = bearing:. reference to the long sword-like ventral projection of the male cerci. Suggested common name. Sword-tailed aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix glochinos sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/AEE452D0-59FA-4F1 F-B50B-51EA3630666B Figs 4D, 5D, 10A-—J, 25, 26B Diagnosis. Easily differentiated from other species in the genus by the com- bination of male cerci that have the lower branch longer than the dorsal branch (Fig. 10A, B) and the male aedeagus with a thickened sheath, valves that are longer than the sheath, and in caudal view the valves of the ae- deagus are widen laterally in their mid-section, and abruptly narrow apically such that the dorsal apieces form acute parallel points; the ventral apices of the valves are broadly rounded (Figs 4D, 10C-G). In lateral view the valves are directed apically instead of dorsally as in all other Agroecotettix species (Figs 5D, 10C-G). Male measurements (mm). (n = 2) Body length 13.3-18.7 (mean = 16); pro- notum length 2.9-4.1 (mean = 3.5); tegmen length 2.2-3.0 (mean = 2.6); hind femur length 7.3-10.0 (mean = 8.7); cerci length 0.8-1.1 (mean = 1.0); basal width of cercus 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.5); mid-cercal width 0.2—0.3 (mean = 0.3); cerci dorsal fork length 0.1—0.3 (mean = 0.2); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.1- 0.2 (mean = 0.2); cerci ventral fork length 0.2-0.4 (mean = 0.3); cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 1) Length 0.8; apex width 0.3; middle width 0.4; basal width 0.6; lateral apex width 0.5; lateral medial width 0.7; later- al basal width 0.7. Female measurements (mm). (n = 3) Body length 21.3—23.3 (mean = 22.0); pronotum length 4.7—5.1 (mean = 4.9) tegmen length 3.5-3.8 (mean = 3.7); hind femur length 10.8-11.7 (mean = 11.2); dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.3- 1.5 (mean = 1.3); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.3-1.5 (mean = 1.4). Holotype. - 1’, Mexico, Nuevo Leon, 7 mi SE Galeana, 11 August 1959, 5350’, T.J. Cohn, #166. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. MExico, Nuevo Leon: + 7 mi SE Galeana, 11 August 1959, T.J. Cohn, 5350’ (14, 39). Habitat. Cohn (1959) does not include a habitat description for the single locality from which this species is known. Distribution. Known only from the type locality at this time (Figs 25, 26B). Etymology. glochinos Greek = point of an arrow, in reference to the pointed, arrowhead-like shape of the aedeagus. Suggested common name. Arrowhead aridland scrub jumper. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 195 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 10. Agroecotettix glochinos A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Agroecotettix texmex sp. nov. https://Zoobank.org/04E23B25-B968-450D-9988-E6D7FE14622E FigSZE, AE. SEsDTA=J. 25; 268 Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci that have the lower branch longer than the dorsal branch (Figs 2E, 11A, B) and the male aedeagus that has a thickened sheath and valves that are ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 196 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 11. Agroecotettix texmex A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus I caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. longer than the sheath, and narrow valves that diverge in lateral view (Figs 4E, 5E, 11C-G). Most similar to A. aristus, A. glochinos, and A. silverheelsi. Differs from A. aristus by that species by having valves that diverge laterally in caudal view and are broader in lateral view (Figs 4C, D, 5C, D) and from A. glochinos by having narrower valves (Figs 4D, E, 5D, E). Differs from A. silverheelsi by having a narrower and folded caudal edge of the sheath as opposed to an unfolded and open edge as in A. silverheelsi. Male measurements (mm). (n = 7) Body length 22.2-24.0 (mean = 23.1); pronotum length 4.6-6.5 (mean = 5.4); tegmen length 3.3-4.1 (mean = 3.6); ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 197 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix hind femur length 11.5-13.5 (mean = 12.6); cerci length 1.6-1.8 (mean = 1.7); basal width of cerci 0.4—0.7 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.4—-0.6 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork length 0.4-0.7 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.1-0.3 (mean = 0.2); cerci ventral fork length 0.4—1.0 (mean = 0.7); cerci ven- tral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 2) Length 0.6-0.7 (mean = 0.7); apex width 0.4—0.5 (mean = 0.5); middle width 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.6); basal width 0.3 (mean = 0.3); lateral apex width 0.2-0.4 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.2-0.5 (mean = 0.4); lateral basal width 0.2—0.6 (mean = 0.4). Female measurements (mm). (n = 7) Body length 25.2—29.8 (mean = 27.3); pronotum length 6.5—7.5 (mean = 6.9) tegmen length 4.1—5.1 (mean = 4.7); hind femur length 14.0-16.2 (mean = 15.1); dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.5- 2.0 (mean = 1.7); ventral ovipositor valve length 0.6—2.0 (mean = 1.6). Holotype. * 1<', USA, Texas, Jim Hogg Co., 26 mi S Hebronville, 19 August 1955, 5-700 ft., T.J. Cohn. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. MExico, Tamaulipas: * 12 mi S Nuevo Laredo, 9 July 1936, H.R. Roberts (1, 19) » Nuevo Leon, 34 miles S Sabinas Hildalgo, 12 IX 1958, 1700 ft, T.J. Cohn (14, 12) * Mamulique Pass, 10 July 1936, 1800 ft, H.R. Roberts (22); 19 mi W Santa Catarina, 9 August 1959, T.J. Cohn (') * 6 mi SE Santiago, 29 September 1958.T.J. Cohn, 1550 ft (1, 12) « Villa de Santiago, 4 July 1964, T.J. Cohn (1). Habitat. Cohn (1959) states the habitat at 19 mi W of Santa Catarina was above an arroyo in an area with large smooth margined leaved oaks and a variety of low bushes, succulents, broadleaf blackberry, and sparse but good weeds in clumps. The habitat at Villa de Santiago was rolling country in spined bushes that were fairly thick and more than 8 feet tall (Cohn 1964). Distribution. Southern Texas and northeastern Mexico (Figs 25, 26B). Etymology. The name texmex is a portmanteau of Texas and Mexico as this is the only known species of Agroecotettix that occurs in both countries. Suggested common name. Texmex aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix cumbres sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/FEE97243-6929-491A-9BC4-7020291EAFD4 Figs 2F,.45, SF, 12A=J;25, 26B Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci that have the lower branch longer than the dorsal branch (Figs 2F, 12A, B) and the male aedeagus that has a thickened sheath, valves that are lon- ger than the sheath, and broad valves that have their distal half angled caudally (Figs 4F, 5F, 12C-G). Most similar to A. texmex but differs by having valves that are broader than that species both in lateral and caudal view (Figs 4D, E, 5D, E). Male measurements (mm). (n = 4) Body length 21.3-23.5 (mean = 22.5); pronotum length 4.7—-5.5 (mean = 5.0); tegmen length 3.2-4.2 (mean = 3.7); hind femur length 11.1-12.2 (mean = 11.8); cerci length 1.7-1.9 (mean = 1.8); basal width of cercus 0.5—0.6 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork length 0.5-0.7 (mean = 0.6); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.5-0.7 (mean = 0.6); cerci ventral fork length 0.7—0.9 (mean = 0.8); cerci ven- tral fork apex width 1.0 (mean = 1.0). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 198 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 12. Agroecotettix cumbres A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 4) Length 0.6—0.8 (mean = 0.8); apex width 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.4); middle width 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.6); basal width 0.5 (mean = 0.5); lateral apex width 0.2—0.3 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.5); lateral basal width 0.6 (mean = 0.6). Female measurements (mm). (n = 11) Body length 24.1—28.0 (mean = 25.7); pronotum length 5.5-7.0 (mean = 6.4) tegmen length 4.0-5.0 (mean = 4.4); hind femur length 12.1-15.5 (mean = 14.3); dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.4— 2.0 (mean = 1.7); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.4—2.0 (mean = 1.7). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 199 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Holotype. + 1<', Mexico, Nuevo Leon, 500-800 m. 24 mi NW Montemo- relos, 3 Sept. 1955, T.J. Cohn. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. MExico, Nuevo Leon: » 10 mi NW Montemorelos, 29 September 1958, T.J. Cohn, 2000 ft (1¢, 12) » 24 mi NW Montemorelos, 3 Sep- tember 1955, T.J. Cohn (116, 29) * 5 mi SW Santiago, Horse Tail Falls, 29 Sep- tember 1958. T.J. Cohn (13) * 6 mi SW Villa Santiago, 29 September 1958. T.J. Cohn (16, 39). Distribution. Area to the south of Monterrey, Mexico and in and east of Mon- terrey Peaks (Figs 25, 26B). Habitat. Cohn (1955) describes the locality at 24 mi NW Montemorelos as a rocky hillside with a draw and thorny bushes and at 6 mi SW Villa de Santiago as rolling as country in heavy spiney bushes, fairly thick and more than 8 ft tall. Cohn (1964) describes the locality at the Monterrey airport as badly overgrazed range, but with a good variety of green, thick, bushes, including fair-sized mes- quite and other leguminous trees, soil sloped. Etymology. The specific epithet cumbres is the Spanish word for summits and is in reference to the Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey and the mountain summits near where this species found. Suggested common name. Cumbres aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix crypsidomus Hebard, 1922, stat. nov. Figs 2G, 4G, 5G, 13A-J, 25, 26A, 31A-F Agroecotettix modestus crypsidomus Hebard, 1922. Trans. Amer. Entomol. Soc. 48(1): 53. 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 as in Fig. 2G; thin and lightly sclerotized sheath (Fig. 5H); valves of the aedea- gus that are lobate with the basal lobe more produced in lateral view, extending beyond the sheath as in Fig. 4G, and with the dorsal lobe projected laterally in caudal view as in Fig. 5G. Male measurements (mm). (n = 11) Body length 18.0-21.5 (mean = 23.8); pronotum length 4.2—5.5 (mean = 4.7); tegmen length 2.8-3.9 (mean = 3.3); hind femur length 9.6-11.7 (mean = 11.0); cerci length 1.2-1.5 (mean = 1.4); basal width of cercus 0.5-0.7 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.4—0.6 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2 (mean = 0.2) 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 = 11) Length 1.0-1.1 (mean = 1.1); apex width 0.3-0.7 (mean = 0.5); middle width 0.4—0.5 (mean = 0.4); Basal width 0.6-0.7 (mean = 0.7); lateral apex width 0.4-0.6 (mean = 0.6); lateral medial width 0.5—0.6 (mean = 0.5); lateral basal width 0.5-0.7 (mean = 0.6). Female measurements (mm). (n = 14) Body length 21.0-25.7 (mean = 23.8); pronotum length 4.9-6.7 (mean = 5.8) tegmen length 3.1-4.5 (mean = 3.9); hind femur length 11.3-14.8 (mean = 13.2); Dorsal ovipositor valve length 0.9- 2.0 (mean = 1.6); ventral ovipositor valve length 0.9-2.0 (mean = 1.6). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 200 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 13. Agroecotettix crypsidomus A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Holotype examined. « 1<', USA, Texas, Marathon, Brewster Co., Sept. 12-13, 1912, Rehn and Hebard, 2000-4160 ft. Deposited in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: * Garden Springs, 2 September 1912, Rehn and Hebard (14, 12) * 4 mi S Marathon, 11 October 1952, M.J.D. White (32) + 4.3 mi S Marathon, 30.1530, -103.2865, 13 July 2023, J.G. Hill, J.L. Selt- zer (24, 29) * Marathon, 12-13 September 1912, Rehn and Hebard (9, 92). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 201 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Habitat. Chihuahuan Desert scrub, often associated with thorny shrubs such as Acacia (Fig. 31A-F). Distribution. Found in the vicinity of Marathon, Texas and the Marathon ba- sin (Figs 25, 26A). Note. Given that the only known specimen of A. modestus is female and it is a distributional outlier, with other species occurring between its distribu- tion and that of its subspecies, A. modestus was raised to species level above. Additionally, due to the differences in the internal male genitalia, A. aristus and A. crypsidomus are each raised to species level. Etymology. crypsi Greek = hidden, domus Latin = home: in reference to the cryptic nature of the species living in the inner branches of thorny shrubs. Suggested common name. Seclusive aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix burtoni sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/3021D508-7E34-41 ED-8AE8-1E18BC603211 Figs 2J, 4H, 5H, 14A—J, 25, 26A, 31A-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 2J, 14A, B), a thin and lightly sclerotized sheath of aedeagus (Figs 5H, 14C-G); valves of the aedeagus lobate in lateral view with the basal lobe not produced much beyond the sheath in lateral view (Figs 5H, 14D, F) and with the valves not projected laterally in caudal view, being almost vertical or curving medially (Fig. 5H, 14G). Male measurements (mm). (n = 10) Body length 19.5—24.0 (mean = 21.6); pronotum length 4.0—5.0 (mean = 4.6); tegmen length 3.0-4.0 (mean = 3.5); hind femur length 10.5-12.4 (mean = 11.3); cerci length 1.0-1.3 (mean = 1.2); basal width of cercus 0.5—0.6 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci ventral projection length 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.3); cerci ventral projec- tion apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1) cerci dorsal projection length 0.3—-0.4 (mean = 0.3); cerci dorsal projection apex width 0.2—0.3 (mean = 0.2). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 3) Length 1.1 (mean = 1.1); apex width 0.5 (mean = 0.5); middle width 0.5 (mean = 0.5); Basal width 0.7 (mean = 0.7); lateral apex width 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.6); lateral medial width 0.4—0.5 (mean = 0.4); lateral basal width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.5). Female measurements (mm). (n = 6) Body length 24.0-29.9 (mean = 25.9); pronotum length 5.5-6.5 (mean = 5.8); tegmen length 3.5-4.5 (mean = 4.1); hind femur length 13.0-14.5 (mean = 13.9) dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.5- 2.0 (mean = 1.7); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.5—2.0 (mean = 1.7). Holotype. * 1.3, USA, Texas, Brewster Co., Big Bend N.P, 29.3178, -103.3942, 15 July 2023, J.G. Hill; Collected in Chihuahuan Desert scrub. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: » Brewster Co., Big Bend N.P,, 29.3988, -103.2029, 14 July 2023, J.G. Hill, R.C. Seltzer-Hill (1) * Big Bend N.P,, 29.3178, -103.3942, 15 July 2023, J.G. Hill (22) * 1.4 mi NE Government Springs Junc- tion Big Ben Park, 12 June 1961, T.J. and J.W. Cohn (2.3) « Basin, 8 September 1951, T.J. Cohn (16) * Glenn Spring, 1 August 1928, F.M. Gaige (60, 39). Habitat. Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (Fig. 31A). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 202 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 14. Agroecotettix burtoni A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus I caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Distribution. Endemic to the Chihuahuan desert and more specifically to the southern big bend region of Texas (Figs 25, 26A). At present, all known popula- tions occur within Big Bend National Park. Etymology. The species name burtoni is a patronym honoring LeVar Burton, an iconic American actor, director, and children’s television host renowned for his influential work in promoting literacy and education, particularly through his long-running role as the host of “Reading Rainbow.” Additionally, Burton is ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 203 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix celebrated for his inspirational portrayal of Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and its spin-offs. His contributions to education and his advocacy for intellectual and cultural enrichment make him a fitting namesake for a species that thrives in the Big Bend region of Texas where deep history, nature, and vast starry skies come together in a unique American landscape. Suggested common name. Burton's aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix moorei sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/9A4847D5-CC4C-4F38-98FA-34CDB373A25C Figs 2M, 4l, 51, 15A—J, 25, 26A, 32A-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 2L, 15A, B); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized (Fig. 51); 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 short- er (Figs 51, 15D, F); in caudal view the valves of the aedeagus are concave as in Fig. 41. 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’ (44, 42) * Sanderson, 30.1458, -102.3977, 30 July 2021, Z.D. Brown, (14, 12). Habitat. Chihuahuan desert scrub (Fig. 32D). Distribution. Apparently, a narrow range endemic species that is restricted to the area around Sanderson, Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert (Figs 25, 26A). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 204 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 15. Agroecotettix moorei A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus I caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. 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. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 205 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Agroecotettix chiantiensis sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/0F102A87-0418-4C34-BB5B-EBF28D8CC9DE Figs 2N, 4J, 5J, 16A-J, 25, 26A, 33A-C 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 2N, 15A, B); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized (Fig. 5J); valves of the aedeagus are lobate, and in lateral view, are deeply incised with Figure 16. Agroecotettix chiantiensis A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 206 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix a narrower and slightly acute distal lobe and a longer basal lobe as in Figs 5J, 16D, F); in caudal view the valves of the aedeagus are convex as in Figs 4J, 15G). Male measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 20.5; pronotum length 4.2; tegmen length 3.2; hind femur length 11.2; cerci length 1.1; basal width of cer- cus 0.5; mid-cercal width 0.4; cerci dorsal fork length 0.3; cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2; cerci ventral fork length 0.2; cerci ventral fork apex width 1. Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 1) Length 1; apex width 0.4; middle width 0.4; basal width 0.6; lateral apex width 0.5; lateral medial width 0.7; lateral basal width 0.7. Female measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 25.1; pronotum length 6.2; tegmen length 3.7; hind femur length 15.1; dorsal ovipositor valve length 2; ven- tral ovipositor valve length 2. Holotype. « 1<, USA, Texas, Presidio Co., 32 mi SW Marfa, 30.0488, -104.4663, 15 July 2023, J.G. Hill, thorny shrub in Chihuahuan Desert, Chianti Mountains. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: + Presidio Co.; Chianti Mountains, 30 September 1928, E.R. Tinkham, (12) * 2.3 mi S Shafter, 23 July 1956, T.J. Cohn, B. Mathews (1) » Shafter cemetery, 29.8112, -104.3058, 28 September 2024, J.G. Hill, J.L. Seltzer (19). Habitat. Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (Fig. 33C) on leguminous shrubs and Yuc- ca. Cohn (1956) describes the habitat at 2.3 mi S Shafter as “rocky foothills of the Chiantis on Spanish bayonet [Yucca sp.]”. Distribution. Known only from the Chianti Mountains of southwest Texas (Figs 25, 26A). Etymology. The species name chiantiensis is derived from the Chianti Moun- tains where the species is apparently endemic to and the suffix “-ensis” (Latin) meaning “originating from” or “inhabiting”. This name reflects the endemic na- ture of the species and hopefully draws attention to the importance of conser- vation of the unique biodiversity in this understudied mountainous region. Suggested common name. Chianti aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix dorni sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/B2B38F60-80C4-4F45-8339-3A0C370D2655 Figs 21, 4M, 5M, 17A-J, 25, 26A, 34A-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 (Figs 21, 17A, B); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized (Figs 5M, 17C-—F); valves of the aedeagus are lobate, and in lateral view, the valves are thinly falcate, long and sword-like (Figs 5M, 17D, F), and in caudal view the lateral margins extend well beyond the rest of the valves and their apical margins are slightly curved distally (Figs 4M, 176). Male measurements (mm). (n = 4) Body length 18.5-19.9 (mean = 19.2); pro- notum length 4.1—4.5 (mean = 4.3); tegmen length 2.5-3.0 (mean = 2.8); hind fe- mur length 10.7-11.0 (mean = 10.9); cerci length 1.2 (mean = 1.2); basal width of cercus 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.3 (mean = 0.3); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.3 (mean = 0.3) cerci ven- tral fork length 0.3 (mean = 0.3); cerci ventral fork apex width 0.2 (mean = 0.2). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 207 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 17. Agroecotettix dorni A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 2) Length 1.0 (mean = 1.0); apex width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); middle width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); Basal width 0.6—-0.7 (mean = 0.7); lateral apex width 0.3 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); lateral basal width 0.5 (mean = 0.5). Female measurements (mm). (n = 4) Body length 22.0-25.5 (mean = 24.1); pronotum length 5.1-6.0 (mean = 5.7) tegmen length 3.4—4.2 (mean = 3.8); hind femur length 12.2-15.0 (mean = 14.0); Dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.3- 1.7 (mean = 1.5); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.3-1.7 (mean = 1.5). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 208 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Holotype. - 1, USA, Texas, Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, 29.1970, -102.9276, 14 July 2023, J.G. Hill, J.L. Seltzer; On shady side of sotol in mid-day heat, Boquillas Canyon. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: * Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, 29.1970, -102.9276, 14 July 2023, J.G. Hill, J.L. Seltzer (2<', 49) * Big Bend Na- tional Park, Boquillas Ranger Station, 28-30 July 1956, T.J. Cohn and Mathews (12) * same data as previous, except 9 June 1961, T.J. and J.W. Cohn (19). Habitat. Chihuahuan Desert scrub (Fig. 33E). In July 2023 at the type locality, | observed this species roosting on the underside of Dasylirion leaves during the mid-day hours with Netrosoma and Phaulotettix species (Fig. 34A—D). Distribution. Endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert and more specifically to the southern big bend region of Texas (Figs 25, 26A). At present, all known popula- tions occur within Big Bend National Park. Etymology. The species name dorni is a patronym honoring Michael Dorn, an American actor and narrator born in Texas who is most famous for portraying the Star Trek character Worf in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Gener- ation” and its spin-offs. The name highlights a unique morphological character- istic of the species, drawing a creative parallel between the blade like aedeagus valves of the male genitalia and the form of the kur'leth, a traditional Klingon weapon used by Worf. Suggested common name. Dorn’s aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix chisosensis sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/8E0B8267-E724-4B1 B-8B73-71676E40E530 Figs 2H, 4N, 5N, 18A-J, 25, 26A, 36A-E 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 2H, 18A, B); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized, (Fig. 5N)); valves of the aedeagus are lobate, and in lateral view, the valves of aedeagus broad (Figs 5N, 18D, F) and in caudal view the lateral margins do not extend well beyond the rest of the valves and their apical margins are curved medially (Figs 4N, 186). Male measurements (mm). (n = 8) Body length 18.7—21.3 (mean = 19.9); pronotum length 4.5-4.9 (mean = 4.6); tegmen length 3.0-3.6 (mean = 3.2); hind femur length 10.3-11.5 (mean = 10.8); cerci length 1.1-1.2 (mean = 1.2); basal width of cercus 0.6—0.7 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2 (mean = 0.2) cerci ventral fork length 0.3 (mean = 0.3); cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 4) Length 0.9-1.1 (mean = 1.1); apex width 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.4); middle width 0.4-0.6 (mean = 0.5); basal width 0.6 (mean = 0.6); lateral apex width 0.3—0.5 (mean = 0.4); lateral medial width 0.4—0.5 (mean = 0.4); lateral basal width 0.5 (mean = 0.5). Female measurements (mm). (n = 5) Body length 23.5-26.8 (mean = 25.1); pronotum length 5.5-6.2 (mean = 5.8) tegmen length 3.5-4.5 (mean = 4.0); hind femur length 12.9-13.9 (mean = 13.5); Dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.5- 2.0 (mean = 1.8); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.5-2.0 (mean = 1.8). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 209 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 18. Agroecotettix chisosensis A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Holotype. - 1, USA, Texas, Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, 29.2706, -103.3017, 14 July 2023, J.G. Hill; Chisos Mountain desert scrub, eating Dasylir- ion pollen. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: * Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, 29.2706, -103.3017, 14 July 2023, J.G. Hill (3, 12) * Juniper Canyon, Chisos Mts, 16 July 1928, F.M. Gaige (22) » Canyon behind Pulliam Bluff, Chisos Mts., 7 September 1912, Rehn and Hebard, 4000-5000 ft (2', 29) » Chisos Mts, 12 ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 210 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix August 1940, Rehn and Hebard (1, 19) * Neville Springs, 8 September 1912, Rehn and Hebard (1.4). Habitat. Chihuahuan Desert scrub (Fig. 35F) in the Chisos Mountains. In July 2023 | observed the species eating Dasylirion pollen (Fig. 35D, E). Distribution. Endemic to the Chisos Mountains in the Big Bend region of Tex- as (Figs 25, 26A). Etymology. The species name chisosensis is derived from the Chisos Moun- tains where the species is apparently endemic to and the suffix “-ensis” (Latin) meaning “originating from” or “inhabiting”. This name reflects the endemic na- ture of the species and hopefully draws attention to the importance of conser- vation of the unique biodiversity in this mountainous region. Suggested common name. Chisos aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix turneri sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/CO9F938B-B081-42DD-A82D-7A1A193957C9 Figs 2K, 4K, 5K, 19A-J, 25, 26A, 36A-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 2K, 19A, B); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized (Fig. 5M), and in lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are entire (not lobate) with apices of point caudally (Figs 5K, 19D, F). In caudal view, lateral margins converge medi- ally, giving a more pointed appearance (Figs 4N, 18G). Male measurements (mm). (n = 3) Body length 14.3-19.3 (mean = 17.7); prono- tum length 3.2—4.5 (mean = 4.0); tegmen length 2.3-4.5 (mean = 4.0); hind femur length 7.9-10.7 (mean = 9.8); cerci length 0.8-1.2 (mean = 9.8); basal width of cer- cus 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.3 (mean = 0.3); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1) cerci ventral fork length 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0); cerci ventral fork apex width 0.2 (mean = 0.2). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 3) Length 1.1 (mean = 1.1); apex width 0.3 (mean = 0.3); middle width 0.6 (mean = 0.6); Basal width 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.6); lateral apex width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); lateral medial width 0.4 (mean = 0.4); lateral basal width 0.5 (mean = 0.5). Female measurements (mm). (n = 6) Body length 17.1-26.5 (mean = 23.2); pronotum length 4.4—6.5 (mean = 5.6) tegmen length 2.2-4.4 (mean = 3.7); hind femur length 9.7—15.0 (mean = 12.9); Dorsal ovipositor valve length 0.9- 2.5 (mean = 1.7); ventral ovipositor valve length 0.9-2.1 (mean = 1.5). Holotype. + 1, USA, Texas, Brewster Co., 22 mi S of Alpine, 30.045026, -103.573517, 15 July 2023, J.G. Hill; Collected in Chihuahuan Desert scrub. De- posited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. USA, Texas: * Brewster Co., Alpine, 21 August 1939, F.B. Isely (14, 42) « 22 mi S of Alpine, 30.045026, -103.573517, 15 July 2023, J.G. Hill (12) + “Big Bend” 23 June 1947, R.H. Beamer (1, 19). Habitat. Chihuahuan Desert scrub on Vachellia sp. (Fig. 36D). Distribution. Found in the area between Big Bend National Park and Alpine, Texas (Figs 25, 26A). Etymology. The species name turneri is a patronym honoring Robert Edward “Ted” Turner Ill, an American media mogul and philanthropist renowned for his ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 211 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 19. Agroecotettix turneri A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. extensive contributions to environmental conservation. Turner, the founder of CNN and a major philanthropist, has been instrumental in numerous initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and biodiversity. His establishment of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and his efforts in large-scale land conserva- tion have provided critical support for the preservation of diverse ecosystems, including those that likely sustain a great diversity of grasshopper species. Suggested common name. Turner's aridland scrub jumper. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 212 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Agroecotettix quitmanensis sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/8A91A6D1-09C0-4758-A4C 7-C6B36C77ECEE Figs 2L, 4P 5P 20A-J, 25, 26A 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 as in Fig. 2; sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized, as in Fig. 5L. In lat- eral view, the apical edge of the valves of the aedeagus are thickened finger-like projections that curve apically as in Fig. 5L. Figure 20. Agroecotettix quitmanensis A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 213 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Male measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 17.4; pronotum length 4.0; tegmen length 2.7; hind femur length 9.7; cerci length 1.2; basal width of cercus 0.6; mid-cercal width 0.4; cerci dorsal fork length 0.4; cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.3; cerci ventral fork length 0.4; cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1. Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 1) Length 1.2; apex width 0.4; middle width 0.6; basal width 0.8; lateral apex width 0.2; lateral medial width 0.4; later- al basal width 0.4. Female measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 20.6; pronotum length 3.0; tegmen length 3.8; hind femur length 11.7; Dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.6; ventral ovipositor valve length 1.6. Holotype examined. : 1, USA, Texas, Quitman Mountains, El Paso Co., Sept. 14, 1912, H.[ebard], 4800-5100 ft. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Habitat. Unknown, but likely desert scrub as other species of the genus. Distribution. Found in the vicinity of the Quitman Mountains of southwest Texas (Fig. 25A). Etymology. The species name quitmanensis is derived from the Quitman Mountains where the species is apparently endemic to and the suffix “-ensis” (Latin) meaning “originating from” or “inhabiting”. This name reflects the endem- ic nature of the species and hopefully draws attention to the importance of con- servation of the unique biodiversity in this understudied mountainous region. Suggested common name. Quitman aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix vaquero sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/FA1E3188-352E-4EEB-966E-O2FBFOC56D0E Figs 2T, 4P 5P 21A-—J, 25 Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci with the ventral branch reduced and rounded as in Fig. 2S; in lateral view, the sheath of the aedeagus is well developed and expanded later- ally around the valves; the aedeagus valves are wide with their apices broadly curved in lateral view as in Fig. 5P; in caudal view the valves or greatly narrowed in their apical third as in Fig. 4P. Male measurements (mm). (n = 17) Body length 21.2-25.2 (mean = 23.5); pronotum length 4.7-6.0 (mean = 5.4); tegmen length 2.7-4.1 (mean = 3.4); hind femur length 10.9-13.2 (mean = 12.1); cerci length 1.0-1.7 (mean = 1.3); basal width of cercus 0.5-0.7 (mean = 0.6); mid-cercal width 0.4-0.6 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork length 0.4—0.6 (mean = 0.5); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2-0.4 (mean = 0.3); cerci ventral fork length 0.1—0.3 (mean = 0.2); cerci ven- tral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 4) Length 0.8-1.0 (mean = 1.0); apex width 0.3 (mean = 0.3); middle width 0.5 (mean = 0.5); basal width 0.6-0.7 (mean = 0.6); lateral apex width0O.3—0.4 (mean = 0.4); lateral medial width 0.5- 0.6 (mean = 0.5); lateral basal width 0.5 (mean = 0.5). Female measurements (mm). (n = 17) Body length 24.5—29.9 (mean = 26.6); pronotum length 5.9-7.2 (mean = 6.5) tegmen length 3.1-4.8 (mean = 3.9); hind femur length 13.0-15.4 (mean = 14.3); dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.3- 2.2 (mean = 1.7); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.2—2.2 (mean = 1.7). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 214 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 21. Agroecotettix vaquero A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phal- lic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus I caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Holotype. * 1), Mexico, Coahulla,11 mi NW Muzquiz, 31 July 1959, 1550 ft, T.J. Cohn, #126, UMMZI-0058033. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. MExico: Coahuila: * 5.8 mi S Castanos, 20 August 1965, T.J. Cohn, 2700 ft, (34, 19) » 2 mi NW Hermanas, 19 September 1958 13-1400’ T.J. Cohn (14) * 5 mi S Hermanas, 1 August 1959, T.J. Cohn, 1350 ft (14,12) * 2 mi SE Muzquiz, 14 September 1958, T.J. Cohn, 3700 ft (34, 59) * 4 mi E Muzquiz, 1 August 1959, T.J. Cohn, 1600 ft (24', 22) * 2 mi SE Muzquiz, 14 ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 215 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix September 1958, T.J. Cohn, 3700 ft. (24, 22) * 11 mi NW Muzquiz, 31 July 1959, T.J. Cohn, 1550 ft (34, 22) » San Juan de Sabinas-Rosita, 15-16 September 1958, T.J. Cohn, 1200 ft (53, 49). Habitat. Cohn (1965) described the habitat at 5.8 mi S Castanos as low Mes- quite, Creosote, Vachellia rigidula, and Agave lechuguilla. Distribution. Found in northern Coahuila, Mexico (Fig. 25A). Etymology. The species name vaquero is the Spanish word for cowboy. Suggested common name. Vaquero aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix forcipatus sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/97EE7BEC-3C6A-44E2-B54D-EF09C9727251 Figs 20, 40, 50, 22A-J, 25 Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci with dorsal and ventral branches that are short but equal or sub- equal in length and widely separated as in Fig. 2N; sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized (Fig. 50); in lateral view, the valves of the aedeagus are acutely pointed apically and are greatly widened in their lower half; in caudal view the apical margins of the valves are slightly curved distally as in Fig. 40. Male measurements (mm). (n = 12) Body length 21.0-23.5 (mean = 22.1); pronotum length 4.3-5.5 (mean = 4.8); tegmen length 2.5-4.1 (mean = 3.3); hind femur length 10.6-12.2 (mean = 11.4); cerci length 1.2-1.5 (mean = 1.3); basal width of cercus 0.6—0.8 (mean = 0.7); mid-cercal width 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork length 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.4); cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2-0.3 (mean = 0.3); cerci ventral fork length 0.3-0.5 (mean = 0.4); cerci ven- tral fork apex width 0.1 (mean = 0.1). Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 4) Length 1.3-1.4 (mean = 1.4); apex width 0.4-0.5 (mean = 0.5); middle width 0.5-0.6 (mean = 0.5); basal width 0.9-1.0 (mean = 1.0); lateral apex width 0.3-0.4 (mean = 0.3); lateral medial width 0.6 (mean = 0.6); lateral basal width 0.6-0.8 (mean = 0.7). Female measurements (mm). (n = 10) Body length 24.0—27.5 (mean = 25.2); pronotum length 5.1-6.2 (mean = 5.6) tegmen length 3.5-4.2 (mean = 3.8); hind femur length 12.0-14.2 (mean = 13.3); dorsal ovipositor valve length 1.5- 2.0 (mean = 1.6); ventral ovipositor valve length 1.5—2.0 (mean = 1.6). Holotype. * 1’, Mexico, Coahuila, 22.6 mi S Castafios, (11.2 mi N of San Lazaro), 19 August 1961, I.J. Cantrall, T.J. Cohn. UMMZI-00057993. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Specimens examined. Mexico, Coahuila: + 25 mi S Castanos, 3 August 1959, T.J. Cohn 3150 ft (84, 92) * 5 mi S Monolova, 2 August 1959, T.J. Cohn, 2300 ft (62%, 29). Habitat. Cohn (1959) described the habitat at 5 mi S. Monolova as rich lush desert, with very little grass consisting of a few species, but many types of succulent stem bushes in abundance along with leguminous bushes and broad leaf black berries. Distribution. Found southern Coahuila, Mexico in the vicinity of the Sierra de la Gloria (Fig. 25A) Etymology. forceps Latin = forceps, pincers and atus Latin = “provided with’. Suggested common name. Pincered aridland scrub jumper. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 216 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 22. Agroecotettix forcipatus A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Agroecotettix idic sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/D4BF1146-CC49-4EFB-8C3A-C30C111200B5 Figs 2S, 4Q, 5Q, 23A-J, 25, 26B Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci that curve medially (Fig. 2Q) and with dorsal and ventral branches that are short but equal or subequal in length and widely separated as in Fig. 2R; in ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 217 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 23. Agroecotettix idic A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phallic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus I caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. lateral view, the sheath of the aedeagus is thin and shorter than the valves; the ae- deagus valves are the most diminutive of the genus and are rectangular in shape, the distal edge is edge truncate in lateral (Fig. 4Q) and in caudal view (Fig. 5Q). Male measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 18.5; pronotum length 4.4; tegmen length 3.0; hind femur length 10.0; cerci length 1.5; basal width of cer- cus 0.6; mid-cercal width 0.5; cerci dorsal fork length 0.3; cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.3; cerci ventral fork length 0.5; cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 218 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 1) Length 1.5; apex width 0.2; middle width 0.5; basal width 0.4; lateral apex width 0.2; lateral medial width 0.3; later- al basal width 0.4. Female measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 24.2; pronotum length 5.7; tegmen length 3.5; hind femur length 12.5; dorsal ovipositor valve length 2.0; ventral ovipositor valve length 2.0. Holotype. * 1<, Mexico, Higueros, Coah., Mex. Bet. Monterrey and Saltillo, 4000’, IX 14 1936, H.R. Roberts. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Habitat. Unknown, but likely desert scrub as other species of the genus. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 25A, C). Etymology. The species epithet idic references the IDIC principle from the Star Trek television series. IDIC stands for “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combina- tions,” a Vulcan philosophy celebrating the richness and complexity of the uni- verse. This name pays homage to the Star Trek principle of embracing diversity and complexity and highlights the rich biodiversity found in Mexico, the native land of this grasshopper. It is hoped that this name encourages appreciation and protection of the diverse forms of life that coexist on our planet. Suggested common name. Idic aridland scrub jumper. Agroecotettix kahloae sp. nov. https://Zoobank.org/EAA95587-C4F 7-4E95-83B3-42B6EFD80515 Figs 2Q, 4R, 5R, 24A-J, 25, 26B Diagnosis. Differentiated from other species in the genus by the combination of male cerci that strongly curve medially as in Fig. 2Q, R; and with dorsal and ventral branches that are short but equal or subequal in length and widely sep- arated (Fig. 2R); sheath of aedeagus thin and lightly sclerotized, as in Fig. 5R; in lateral view the valves of the aedeagus are broad and arching with the distal apices rounded as in Fig. 5R; in caudal view the valves are acuminate. Male measurements (mm). (n = 1) Body length 18.5; pronotum length 4.2; tegmen length 2.7; hind femur length 9.9; cerci length 1.3; basal width of cercus 0.4; mid-cercal width 0.5; cerci dorsal fork length 0.4; cerci dorsal fork apex width 0.2; cerci ventral fork length 0.5; cerci ventral fork apex width 0.1. Phallus measurements (mm). (n = 1) Length 1.2; apex width 0.2; middle width 0.5; basal width 0.8; lateral apex width 0.3; lateral medial width 0.4; later- al basal width 0.6. Holotype. - 14, Mexico, Coahuila, 29 rd, mi SE Arteaga, 10 August 1959, 6150 ft., T.J. Cohn, #164. Deposited in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Habitat. None recorded. Distribution. Known only from the type locality (Fig. 25A, C). Etymology. The species name kahloae patronym honoring Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), the iconic Mexican painter known for her vivid deeply personal and symbolic artwork. Her enduring connection to Mexican culture makes her an apt figure to be commemorated through this species, which is endemic to Mexico. In naming a species in her honor | celebrate her artistic legacy and un- derscore the importance of preserving the biodiversity of her homeland. Suggested common name. Kahlo’s aridland scrub jumper. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 219 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 24. Agroecotettix kahloae A dorsal view of male terminalia B lateral view of male terminalia C dorsal view of phal- lic complex D lateral view of phallic complex E dorsal view of aedeagus F lateral view of aedeagus G caudal view of the aedeagus H dorsal view of epiphallus | caudal view of epiphallus J habitus. Discussion The discovery of sixteen new species of Agroecotettix, predominantly com- prising endemics of the Chihuahuan Desert, Sierra Madre Occidental, and the South Texas Plains, presents a significant advancement in our knowledge of desert biodiversity and the ecological complexity of this unique region. Howev- er, without population level genetic data, it is challenging to definitively pinpoint ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 220 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix myo 100 200 400 6UU 800 Kilometers). 74 ee uarez he Midlane Odessa . & a: ’ * ‘a a ‘Chihuahuan _ \ 4 i ane | gS a | = LG h@nter re ui Species ~ © A. aristidus © A. texmex © A. moorei @ A. vaquero @ A. silverheelsi @ A. forcipatus |, © A. crypsidomus @ A. xiphophorusF @ A. chisonensis A. cumbres © A. burtoni @ A. kahloae @ A. dorni @ A. idic @ A. turneri © A. glochinos @ A. chiantiensis @ A. modestus © A. quitmanensis Figure 25. Distribution of Agroecotettix species. the factors that led to the diversification and biogeographic patterns observed here. Evolution of other brachypterous groups of North American melanoplines were influenced by Pleistocene glacial cycles that impacted river flow, moun- tain ecosystems, and the isolation of islands/sand ridges, which resulted in population cycles of contraction, isolation, divergence, expansion, and second- ary contact processes. (Knowles 2007; Woller 2017; Huang et al. 2020). Indeed, this may be case for Agroecotettix as well. The Chihuahuan Desert (Fig. 25) stands out as the center of diversity for Agroecotettix, with eleven of the nineteen species inhabiting this area, nine of which are endemic. This desert, known for its biological diversity and vast expanse, hosts a rich variety of plant and animal life, including numerous en- ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 221 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Species © A. aristidus © A. texmex N © A. moorei @ A. vaquero @ A.silverheelsi @ A. forcipatus © A. crypsidomus @ A. xiphophorus E © A. chisonensis © A. cumbres © A. burtoni @ A. kahloae @ A. dorni ® A. idic Ss @ A. turneri © A. glochinos @ A. chiantiensis @ A. modestus © A. quitmanensis Figure 26. Distribution of Agroecotettix species A Big Bend region of Texas B zoom in on the area around Monterrey, Mexico at the convergence of the Chihuahuan Desert, Sierra Madre Oriental, and South Texas Plains ecoregions. demics specially adapted to its arid conditions (Medellin-Leal 1982; Toledo and Orddfiez 1993; Villarreal-Quintanilla et al. 2017; Scheinvar et al. 2020). Today, this desert is inhabited by a myriad of specialized plants and an- imals, including cacti, yuccas, reptiles, mammals, and a diverse array of in- vertebrates. However, during the Pleistocene, especially the Late Wisconsin (27,000-11,000 yr B.P.), the Chihuahuan Desert was a very different place. During that time, the area around Big Bend and the New Mexico/Arizona bor- derline were dominated by a woodland of paper-shell pinyon and juniper, and the Mapimian region vegetation assemblages were dominated by coniferous/ juniper forest. The microphyllous Desertic Brushwood system that Agroecotet- tix is today associated with such as Acacia and sotol (Dasylirion spp.) as well as other characteristic Chihuahuan desert elements such as lechuguilla (Aga- ve lechuguilla), and prickly pears (Opuntia spp.) was much rarer (Betancourt et al. 1990; Scheinvar et al. 2020). Establishment of Chihuahuan desert scrub as a dominant element was not recorded until 8,000—9,000 yr B.P. (Betancourt et al. 1990; Holmgren et al. 2003). ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 222 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix \ ! ut ee Bk : 1k ft Figure 27. Agroecotettix silverheelsi from Dimmit Co, TX A male B male on interior Vachellia branch C Vachellia plant and habitat where the type specimen was collected. Co., TX E female, Edwards Co., TX F male, Uvalde, Co., TX. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 258 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 29. Agroecotettix aristus A male, Jeff Davis Co., TX B female Edwards Co., TX C habitat in Edwards Co., TX D habitat in Uvalde Co, TX E habitat in Val Verde Co., TX. F female on Vachellia. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 224 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix mr i 4 : ai ‘ea ue Aas 5 z a ee Figure 32. Agroecotettix moorei Terrel Co., Texas A male B male C male D habitat view near Sanderson, TX. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 225 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Figure 34. Agroecotettix dorni from Brewster Co., Texas A male in lateral view B female in lateral view C Individuals roost- ing during the heat of the day on Dasylirion leaves D habitat view. Zookeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 226 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix NM Wk Se — Figure 35. Agroecotettix chisosensis from Brewster Co., Texas A male in lateral view B female in lateral view C male in lateral view D male feeding on Dasylirion flowers E male feeding on Dasylirion flowers F habitat view. Figure 36. Agroecotettix turneri from Brewster Co., Texas A male B female C male D female on Vachellia. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 227 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Similarly, Toomey et al. (1993) described the environment of the Edwards Plateau (Fig. 25) during the late Pleistocene (ca 20-14,000 yr B.P.) as having much of the uplands covered in a deep reddish-clay soil and open mixed tall and short grass savanna. Drying conditions during the Holocene (10,500- 2,500 yr B.P.) resulted in diminished vegetation cover which caused the grad- ual degradation of soil mantles and a shift to short grasses and scrub plant communities (Toomey et al. 1993. The Edwards Plateau and surrounding areas, in contrast to the Chihuahuan Desert, host the most widespread Agro- ecotettix, namely, A. aristus. This distribution suggests that the species and genus might have originated in the south and spread to their current range during a more recent arid period. Specimens from my fieldwork in the United States have recently been sent for sequencing, but there are still large collecting gaps in Mexico, and little ge- netic data currently available for specimens there. It is hoped that this article will stir interest in searching for more Agroecotettix species to help tell the story of the biogeographic history of this interesting region. Acknowledgements | am grateful for the assistance and camaraderie of Zach Brown, Brady Dun- away, Ray Fisher, Mallory Grady, Alexandra Hendon, Jennifer Seltzer, Jacqueline Seltzer-Hill, Rowan Seltzer-Hill, and Matthew Thorn. The five summers spent exploring central and west Texas with all of you have left me with tales of ad- venture, exciting discoveries, warm memories, and thousands of grasshopper specimens. Specimens from Big Bend National Park were collected under per- mit BIBE-2023-SCI-0001. | thank Ashley Baker for the wonderful habitus illus- tration, Shelby Grice for her assistance in producing the maps, and Ray Fisher for proofreading a draft of the manuscript. This publication is a contribution of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station and was partially supported by funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Science Foundation OPUS (2043909), and Texas Ecolab. | also thank the numerous private landowners who allowed me and my team to collect grasshoppers on their properties. Additional information Conflict of interest The author has declared that no competing interests exist. Ethical statement No ethical statement was reported. Funding National Science Foundation OPUS (2043909), Texas Ecolab, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Author contributions JoVonn Hill, wrote the manuscript, conducted the data collection, and aquired the fund- ing for the project. ZooKeys 1218: 177-230 (2024), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.133703 228 JoVonn G. Hill: Revision of Agroecotettix Author ORCIDs JoVonn G. Hill © https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1892-7117 Data availability All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text. References Barrientos-Lozano, L, Rocha-Sanchez AY, Horta-Vega J (2013a) Two new species of Melanoplus Stal, 1873 (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from northeastern Mexico. Zootaxa 3669: 261-286. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3669.3.4 Barrientos-Lozano L, Rocha-Sanchez AY, Buzzetti FM, Méndez-Gomez BR, Horta-Vega JV (2013b) In Saltamontes y esperanzas del noreste de México (Insecta: Orthoptera). Guia ilustrada. 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