Large robust grasshopper with large head, Tegmina with well defined wide cross bands and usually two pale lines running along top edges when folded. Wings yellow to light blue (usually greenish) with a curved dark band (no spur) along outer margin.

The species varies somewhat regionally. Those from the south in Mexico often have extremely large heads and relatively short wings. Those from the Colorado Plateaus probably have the bluest wings on average. Those from the southern Great Plains tend to be very large and more slender looking due to smaller (still big) heads and longer wings, and usually have yellow wings and often yellowish hind tibiae.