Melanoplus cinereus cyanipes

Distinguished from other Melanoplus cinereus subspecies by the blue or bluish coloration of the hind legs (reflected in the epithet 'cyanipes'). Separated from other western Melanoplus species by the combination of spur-throated prosternum, grayish body color, and leg coloration. Male genitalia provide definitive identification for the species; subspecies determination relies on color characters and geography.

Adults are medium-sized grasshoppers with the characteristic spur-throated morphology of the genus Melanoplus, featuring a distinct conical projection on the prosternum. The subspecific name 'cyanipes' refers to blue or bluish coloration of the hind legs, which distinguishes this form from the nominate subspecies. Body coloration is generally grayish (cinereus) with variable dark markings. Wings extend beyond the abdomen, typical of the genus.

Found in open, dry habitats in the western United States. Specific microhabitat preferences within its range have not been documented in detail.

Western North America: recorded from California and Washington, United States. The subspecies appears to occupy a relatively restricted coastal and near-coastal distribution compared to the broader range of the species.

• Melanoplus cinereus cinereusThe nominate subspecies lacks the blue hind leg coloration characteristic of M. c. cyanipes and occupies different geographic areas.
• Other western Melanoplus speciesMany western Melanoplus species share grayish coloration; identification requires examination of the prosternal spine and male genitalia.

• orthoptera
• grasshopper
• acrididae
• melanoplinae
• western north america
• subspecies

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life