Helfer's Dune Grasshopper

Rather wide-bodied and short-winged for a Trimerotropis , distinctly hairy (mostly sides and below). Coloring usually light grayish, covered with dark speckling and small spots, and with dark diagonal cross bands on hind femora. As seen with wings folded, there is commonly a pale mid-longitudinal stripe. Hind tibiae yellowish to brownish; hind wings clear, nearly colorless, but in good lighting a faint yellowish to greenish tinge may be seen, with narrow cloudy curved dark cross band. Similar in appearance to Microtes species, which occur further south along the coast in similar habitats. Microtes are even broader in proportions, with top of pronotum wider, flatter, and more sharply margined laterally; with wings often proportionately shorter; with dark portion of hind wing nearer to apex. Very well camouflaged in sand, and often very difficult to see. Often not noticed due to small size and inconspicuous coloration, even when flying. Males are alert, and even though flights are usually relatively short, they are quick difficult to approach. Females are equally alert, but often stay still rather than flying. They are somewhat clumsy fliers, and often choose to simply hop, rather than to take to the air, even when they do move away. They may be seen trying to bury themselves by kicking sand away with their legs. They can bury themselves rather quickly, apparently not just to sleep or avoid heat or cold, but also to hide.