Diario del proyecto Oregon Orthoptera

There are a number of Orthoptera species that reside in Oregon that do not have an iNaturalist photo. Some of these species have even never been photographed in general, even more so including specimen photographs. So below I have a list of species known to reside in Oregon (through specimens/habitat/etc) that do have an iNat sighting and I hope to make it a challenge for those participating this year that you try to find these species. This list also includes likely places to find them, whether if be an exact GPS local, like in small range species, or general habitat for larger range species.

Anabrus cerciata (Big-tooth Anabrus) -- Easily confused with the Mormon Cricket -- Lives throughout Columbia River Plateau; seems to like sagebrush/rabbitbrush areas were agricultural hasn't taken over, namely hillsides. There appears to be quite a large and geographically isolated population up Couse Creek in Asotin County, Washington that may extend onto the Oregon side.

Steiroxys borealis (Boreal Shieldback) -- CAUTION: Many undescribed species -- Described from the Siskiyou Mts in California but likely lives in extreme southwestern Oregon. Too little is known about this species to help.

Idiostatus variegata (Variegate Shieldback) -- Though "range" is only in Malheur County, it seems to enjoy rabbitbrush/sagebrush mixed habitats which pretty much covers most of southeastern Oregon and as far north as Union County.

Idiostatus chewaucan (Chewaucan Shieldback) -- Type specimen came from Abert Lake in the Klamath region, not sure about habitat.

Idiostatus goedeni (Goeden's Shieldback) -- Type specimen came from the town of Olene, Oregon. Not sure where else it can be found.

Idiostatus rehni -- Rabbitbrush in Jackson County

Apote notabilis -- Desert scrub, might be a sighting at Wallowa Lake.

Chloealtis aspasma -- Siskiyou Mountains, that's all we know.

Booneacris polita -- Near town of Cottage Grove, Oregon, perhaps the hills to west.

Podisma hesperus -- McKenzie Pass

Melanoplus debilis -- Type specimen collected in Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon.

Melanoplus goedeni -- Long Gulch near the California border in Jackson County.

Melanoplus immunis -- CAUTION: Melanoplus saltator, another short-winged Melanoplus is also described and reported in the following local. -- Mary's Peak, Benton County

Melanoplus kasadi -- Type specimen collected on Biscuit Hill in Jackson County. The North Fork Smith River Trail follows this mountain's ridge and can be accessed through Sourdough Campground. Any person chasing this species should prepare for a day hike and steep grades.

Melanoplus lovetti -- Type specimen collected in Woodruff Meadows, Jackson County.

Melanoplus pinicola -- Type specimen collected along Howard Bay of the Upper Klamath Lake but Otte (2012) reports that among various locals against the east flank of the Cascades.

Melanoplus rehni -- Type specimen collected in Glendale, Oregon.

Melanoplus repetinus -- Type specimen collected on north flank of Strawberry Mountain near John Day. Chasers should prepare for the day and steep grades.

Melanoplus validus -- Type specimen from the Calapooya Mts in Lane County but reported found against the west flank of the Cascades.

Melanoplus oregonis -- Type specimen came from south rim of Crater Lake.

Melanoplus uinta -- Otte (2012) reports an individual from Strawberry Mountain (same as M. repetinus) and Bull's Prairie in the Blue Mountains near Heppner. Being a long-winged species, unlike every other Melanoplus species mentioned after, it can be confused with M. bruneri, M. borealis, M. sanguinipes, M. femurrubrum.

And that's it! A full list of 21 species that have never been observed in iNat. It would be amazing if we can take a few of these off the list. It's amazing what there's still to observe in your own backyard!

@umpquamatt @geographerdave @leppinm @russnamitz @ldibiccari

You have been tagged because you are the top observers for Oregon Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets and Katydids) sightings. The purpose of this post to grab a few volunteers to help me in this project.

The Purpose of the Project

To collect data from all suitable habitats in Oregon to comprise a complete and thorough identification field guide to Oregon Orthoptera. As of January 17, 2020, there are 136 species of grasshopper and crickets recorded in Oregon but this number can and probably will increase with the help of devoted volunteers.

What data am I collecting?

When you collect data on an Orthoptera species, here's the information I would like those volunteering will collect.

1. Date
2. Species (I'll identify it if you can't)
3. Body Length and Wing Length measured in millimeters.
4. Sex
5. Age
6. Habitat
7. Accurate location
8. Any addition notes if any not mentioned above.

These eight aspects cover any data needed to help me develop the outline to creating the Orthoptera field guide.

How can you prepare?

There are several ways for you prepare for the 2020 Orthoptera season. So here's what you can do.

• I've created a current list of Orthoptera species in Oregon in the following link. It also includes a list of genera that are influx so the genus itself counts as "one" species until new information comes forth.
  https://www.inaturalist.org/lists/2318515-Orthoptera-of-Oregon

• Start plotting out places prior to grasshopper season that you should go to. If you want to find a particular species, you can look up the species on iNat and see what times of the year they are spotted.
• Get your gear ready early. When I go out and catch grasshoppers, I always make sure I have my ruler, phone (for photos) and my bamboo butterfly net on me.
• If you decide to join the group and help me collect data, I'm trying to think of efficient methods of collecting your data. You can add your data to the notes of your iNat observation. However that information might be lost so I created a Google Form that you can fill out if you prefer that, I'll just need to send it to you. If you just want to e-mail me in general, I'll do it.
• Try to learn beforehand the main groups of Orthoptera and how to best photograph them for identification. For example, Oedipodinae (Band-winged Grasshoppers) best need a wing shot for identification along with a lateral shot while Melanoplinae (Spur-throated Grasshoppers) needs a shot of male genitals for accurate identification.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope you have just as much interest as I am to document Orthoptera in Oregon. If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I'll get back with you as soon as possible.