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New Species of Grasshopper Named for APSU’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute Co-Founder and Chief of Conservation Officer Theo Witsell
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – 1/16/2026
Researchers Jireh Mwamukonda and Jovonn G. Hill have published a paper ‘Revision and Biogeography of the Tribulus Group (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae, Melanoplus) and Establishment of the Rusticus Group with a Description of Four New Species.’ In this paper, the authors discovered a new species of grasshopper that only occurs in the Ouachita Mountains – an area that APSU’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute Co-Founder and Chief Conservation Officer Theo Witsell was instrumental in protecting. We are pleased to announce that one of the new species of grasshoppers in this paper was given the new scientific name Melanoplus witselli in recognition of Theo’s work to conserve its range in the Ouachita Mountains. When asked about the naming decision, author Dr. Jovonn Hill of the Mississippi Entomological Museum said, “Theo is just a good dude…No, really, naming a species that is a near endemic to Arkansas after Theo was a no-brainer. He has contributed so much to conservation in the state and the region. Furthermore, setting the type locality as a place where he had a large part in conserving and studying was extra special.”
We agree with Dr. Hill that Theo is incredibly deserving of this recognition, and we invite you to take a look at the publication on this exciting new species discovery! https://bioone.org/journals/transactions-of-the-american-entomological-society/volume-151/issue-3/061.151.0306/Revision-and-Biogeography-of-the-Tribulus-Group-Orthoptera-Acrididae-Melanoplinae/10.3157/061.151.0306.short
Blog prepared by Eleanor Lopez, SGI Communications Specialist.
The Grassland Quarterly - SGI's Fall 2025 Newsletter
The Southeastern Grasslands Institute is pleased to share our revamped quarterly newsletter - The Grassland Quarterly. Please click the link below to view our Fall 2025 Newsletter. We hope you enjoy our updates and our exciting work to protect and promote biodiversity across the Southeast.
The Grassland Quarterly - Saving the Forgotten Grasslands of the Southeast - Fall 2025 Newsletter
Blog prepared by Eleanor Lopez, SGI Communications Specialist.