Leprus intermedius

Saussure, 1884

Saussure's Blue-winged Grasshopper

Leprus intermedius, commonly known as Saussure's blue-winged grasshopper, is a of band-winged grasshopper in the Acrididae. It is distinguished by its blue hind wings, a characteristic trait of the Leprus. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leprus intermedius: /ˈlɛprəs ɪntərˈmiːdiəs/

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Identification

When hind wings are spread, the blue coloration is conspicuous. The can be distinguished from other Leprus species by morphological features and geographic range. It is smaller than some related band-winged grasshoppers such as Schistocerca.

Images

Habitat

Found in grassland and desert grassland . One documented observation occurred in Pueblo County, Colorado, in desert grassland vegetation.

Distribution

Southwestern United States: recorded from California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Distribution records also indicate presence in Central America and North America broadly.

Seasonality

have been observed in early September in Colorado.

Behavior

When disturbed, individuals may leap and display their brightly colored hind wings. This flash coloration is a common defensive in band-winged grasshoppers (Oedipodinae).

Similar Taxa

Leprus wheeleriAnother blue-winged grasshopper in the same , distinguished by morphological differences and geographic distribution
Leprus cyaneusCongeneric with similar blue hind wing coloration, requiring careful morphological examination for identification
Leprus robustusRelated in the same , differing in body proportions and distribution
Trimerotropis melanopteraSympatric band-winged grasshopper with dark wings rather than blue, observed in same in Colorado

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The specific epithet 'intermedius' was established by Saussure in 1884. The belongs to the tribe Hippiscini within the Oedipodinae, a group characterized by banded or colored hind wings used in display.