Italian locust Calliptamus italicus

Named for its Mediterranean origins, this short-horned grasshopper thrives in sun-baked, warm-climate grasslands. Though its name references Italy, the species ranges across southern and central Europe into western Asia, taking advantage of dry habitats wherever vegetation grows. As a member of the Acrididae family, it shares powerful hind legs for prodigious jumps and camouflaged coloring that lets it vanish into grass. It's a successful generalist, thriving wherever Mediterranean and temperate climates create the right conditions for survival.