Thus, it superficially resembles grasshoppers in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, but is easily distinguished by the presence of a spur, or spine, between the front legs.

They are usually brownish with a white, yellow, or brown stripe from the eye to the base of the front legs.

The front wings are sharply pointed, extending 3-5mm beyond the tip of the abdomen.

It inhabits wet areas, and is usually found on emergent vegetation such as cattails and sedges.

[4][2][3] The mating season for Leptysma marginicollis begins around April, after which eggs are laid inside the stem of a plant.