Inconspicuous Grasshopper

Small size and contrasting pattern make this fairly easy to recognize. The hind wings are pale yellow with a narrow curved dark band, and the hind tibiae vary from yellow (most common east) to blue (most common west). Flight crepitation is a continuous buzz. T. inconspicua seems to be closely related to T. pistrinaria , but is smaller and occurs further west. It is also similar and probably related to T. bifasciata , which occurs further west in California and seems to consistently be stockier and have a larger rounder head. T. pistrinaria also differs in having red hind tibiae and in having a bolder and wider black band across the hind wings. However, there is an area in western New Mexico and another in central Utah where the two species meet and the differences seem to become confused where what appear to be intermediate individuals occur. Another area where this should be watched for is the Red Desert region in southern Wyoming. The Utah population of T. pistrinaria is isolated, and not reported in the literature. This population is typical of T. pistrinaria at it's core, while apparently blending into T. incospicua at the edges. This has caused a great deal of confusion for at least a few people. T. modesta and Spharagemon campestris can be similar in appearance, sound, and can occur in the same areas, but are most often darker in color with wider dark bands on tegmina, and both have red hind tibiae. All of these species seem to be very closely related to the genus Spharagemon (particularly to S. equale ). They differ primerily in the low crest on the pronotum, and the fact that some of them have other than red hind tibiae.