Pizarro-Luna, M., F.M. Alfaro, M. Elgueta & J. Pizarro-Araya (2025) Natural History of the Genus Elasmoderus Saussure, 1888 (Orthoptera: Tristiridae), an Endemic and Eremic Element of theTransitional Coastal Desert of Chile. Insects 15: 513. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070513
Summary
The genus Elasmoderus is a group of the orthopteran family Tristiridae distributed across the transitional region of South America, Andean areas of Peru, Argentina, and Chile, the low-altitude desert and semidesert territories of Chile, and the steppe areas of the Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia. This genus is endemic to the extreme arid environments of north-central Chile and is famous for its adaptations to such habitats. Based on original and published data, we characterize the geographical distribution and discuss the history and ecology of this genus. Within this genus, Elasmoderus lutescens is the most widely distributed species, mainly in coastal and interior environments, followed by E. minutus, a small-sized species with a more restricted distribution range that is currently categorized as Vulnerable in Chile. Another relevant species is Elasmoderus wagenknechti, which is concentrated in coastal and interior environments of the Coquimbo region, where it can be very abundant. This species is economically significant and can damage crops and natural vegetation. Our findings highlight the importance of researching native insects to understand the role they play in semiarid ecosystems and to develop a basis for conducting long-term studies in
northern Chile.