About Aiolopus strepens (Latreille, 1804)
Adult male Aiolopus strepens reach 19–24 millimetres (0.75–0.94 in) in length, while adult females measure 24–31 mm (0.94–1.22 in) long. The species' colouration is quite variable, including shades of green, yellow, and brown. The basic colour of its sturdy body is usually light brown, but it may sometimes be green, have green patches, or feature reddish stripes. Some individuals, especially females, are completely green. Newly matured adults typically have brown colouring; when autumn arrives and the exoskeleton hardens, colours become more defined and green fades. In spring, during the breeding season, females especially regain green colour and a more complex colour pattern. The pronotum is almost flat and usually monochrome, rarely bearing a broad longitudinal stripe along its top that extends onto the top of the head. Hind legs are relatively short, and antennae are shorter than the combined length of the head and pronotum. The hind tibiae are usually red, and the femora are quite robust. Wings are transparent with a darkened brownish apex; hind wings often have a bluish base. The front wings (tegmina) are dark with distinct clear markings. This species is rather similar to Aiolopus thalassinus, but differs by having larger posterior femora, transparent blue-tinged wings, and coarse punctuation on the posterior portion of the pronotum. This species occurs in central and southern Europe, the Afrotropical realm, the Near East, and North Africa. A warmth-loving Mediterranean species, it typically inhabits dry environments, including low vegetation with patches of bare soil, bushes, and stony soils.
