The Iberian band-winged grasshopper (Oedipoda coerulea, sometimes spelled caerulescens depending on regional taxonomy) is a striking European band-winged grasshopper. Best known for its bright turquoise-blue hindwings edged with a black band, it thrives in sparsely vegetated, rocky, and sandy Mediterranean habitats.
Key Facts at a Glance
Appearance: Cryptic, earthy brown, or gray-colored body allows it to perfectly camouflage against rocks and dirt. When disturbed and taking flight, it reveals vividly bright blue hindwings accompanied by a dark marginal stripe.
Habitat: Typically found in warm, dry, and barren environments with high percentages of bare ground. This includes arid fields, sandy areas, and rocky slopes across Southwestern Europe.
