Pardalophora haldemanii

Members of the genus Pardalophora are distinguished from similar band-winged grasshoppers such as Xanthippus by having only one notch in the pronotal crest. Nymphs exhibit cryptic coloration with considerable intraspecific variation, often rendering them nearly invisible against substrates until they move.

North America. Documented distribution records include Colorado, Illinois, and Nebraska.

Early spring nymphs and adults present. The species overwinters in the nymphal stage rather than as eggs, resulting in well-developed nymphs at the beginning of spring and earlier adult emergence than many other grasshopper species. Adults may be present by late April to early May in some regions.

Overwinters as nymphs (not eggs). Nymphs develop through spring and reach adulthood earlier than egg-overwintering species. This nymphal overwintering strategy is unusual among most grasshoppers.

Adults produce crepitation sounds by snapping hindwings in flight. Visual signaling includes flashing of brightly colored hindwings. Nymphs rely on crypsis for predator avoidance, remaining motionless against substrates.

• Xanthippus spp.Similar band-winged grasshoppers, but distinguished by having two notches in the pronotal crest versus one in Pardalophora.
• Pardalophora apiculataCongeneric species with similar nymphal overwintering strategy and early-season phenology.
• Pardalophora phoenicopteraCongeneric species sharing nymphal overwintering trait and cryptic nymphal coloration with intraspecific variation.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Species Records and Accounts
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Field Guide
• Pardalophora phoenicoptera – Orange-winged grasshopper | Beetles In The Bush