Genus Leprus

Type species: Leprus elaphus Saussure [a Mexican species]

Similar to Cratypedes, Xanthippus, Hippiscus, etc., but with hind tibiae usually greenish to blue (sometimes yellow), and wings often green or blue (also sometimes yellow). Body is proportionately broader, head larger, and pronotum has median ridge barely indicated. The dark band on the hind wings curves around the outer margin and doesn't have a spur pointing toward the base near the front edge of the wing.

Southwestern North America

Varied, mostly gravelly or rocky areas in grassland, very open woodland, or desert.

Poorly documented for all species, but probably mixed herbaceous plants. U.S. species show a tendency toward scavenging dead animal material and will sometimes eat each other in confinement.

Like other genera in the tribe Hippiscini, Leprus do not make crackling noises (crepitation) when they fly. The flapping of the wings does make a rustling sound.