The genus Melanoplus represents one of the most diverse groups of acridid grasshoppers in North America, comprising over 430 described species within the subfamily Melanoplinae. Among its various species groups, the Tribulus group consists of flightless grasshoppers typically found in open woodlands and forest margins, primarily in the eastern United States. While recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge of this group, little attention has been given to populations west of the Mississippi River. This study presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Melanoplus Tribulus group with a focus on western populations of the Mississippi River, resulting in the description of five new species. Specimens were obtained from institutional collections and field sampling. They were analyzed using detailed morphological methods including measurements of body structures and dissection of male genitalia. Imaging and dissection techniques followed established entomological protocols, incorporating high-resolution microscopy and image stacking. The findings contribute to a more complete understanding of Melanoplus diversity, refine the taxonomy of the Tribulus group, and provide insight into the biogeographic patterns of flightless grasshoppers in the western United States.
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