The Robust Toad Hopper (Phrynotettix robustus) and the Chihuahua Toad Hopper (Phrynotettix tshivavensis) are flightless grasshoppers found in the Park. With their relatively thick, short bodies, they do look like small toads.
According to Richman et al (1993), the Robust Toad Hopper has yellow on the inside of the hind femora, while the Chihuahua Toad Hopper has black. Based on this criterion, the grasshopper pictured above looks like it should be the Robust Toad Hopper. The Robust Toad Hopper is shown in Richman et al and the specimen in the Park's collection looks very similar. However, the grasshopper in my picture doesn't look like this. Instead, it looks more like the Chihuahua Toad Hopper in the Park's collection. Unfortunately, I did not check the femora of the Park's specimens to determine the extent of the yellow and black color patterns.
Phrynotettix sp.
2001 August 23 along the Smith Spring Trail
References
Richman, D.B., Lightfoot, D.C., Sutherland, C.A. and Ferguson, D.J. 1993
A Manual of the Grasshoppers of New Mexico
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