This is a large common species found throughout much of the lower 48 states. This grasshopper always got my attention since I was a little kid every time I startled one. The black and yellow hind-wing is a startling thing to see when one is not expecting. What I also like about this species is the variety of colors individuals can be. I’ve seen colors from tan to brown to brick red.
This is species is also quick to spit out a brown liquid in defense that can and will stain your fingers. One of the reasons this species is so widespread and common is because it can become quite abundant in disturbed areas and dirt roads, especially where there is bare ground which helps the grasshopper blend in.
As you can see from this spread specimen, the black takes up much of the hind-wing. For the more entomology inclined, when in flight it can look quite similar to Nymphalis antiopa (Mourning Cloak butterfly), which also sports the black and yellow coloration on the wings.
Currently in the collection I have a large number of individuals from a number of different states. Both spread and non-spread specimens are present as well as multiple different colors.
Other online sources:
E.M.O.P.I.C 