Sphingonotus rubescens. (Walker,1871) Commonly known as “Desert Sand Grasshopper”
Family: Acrididae.
Sub Family: Oedipodinae- Bandwings or band-winged grasshoppers.
Sphingonotus rubescens is one of the most widely distributed Oedipodinae grasshoppers
commonly found in countries bordering onto the Mediterranean Sea, including North Africa and into Central Asian countries that have mild winter climates.
When Band-wings feel safe, their colouring tends to be very plain with just the darker bands, when threatened however they can display bolder bright colours, mainly hidden under their wings.
The female lays her eggs in the ground.
Habitat: Various open scrubland, including stony or sandy areas, also, rocky slopes. Can be a pest to agricultural growers of crops and orchards. The Desert Sand Grasshopper feeds on a wide range of plants, not just the leaves but also devours the flower heads.
Season: All year round here in Spain, large numbers can appear between May to September.