Red-shanked Grasshopper

Description:

Medium- to large (even "extra-large") grasshopper, females much larger than males. Bold, dense "leopard spot" pattern on front wings. Back of head blue (usually not visible), inside of hind femur ("thigh") and hind tibia ("shin") bright orange. Hind wings yellow with black band, visible when the insect flies.

Habitat:

Found this one in a vast vacant field of very short grasses with scattered sunflower, yucca, prickly-pear cacti, and elm trees.

Notes:

Found in a diversity of habitats at a variety of elevations. Adults found in late spring and early summer, overwintering as nymphs.