In terms of size, the male is between 11 and 17 mm long, and the female between 13 and 22 mm. Its most noticeable characteristic is its red legs, which stand out quite a bit against its black body; however, the body can also be brown, with less contrast between the colors. It has a robust body with short wings, which in males do not completely cover the abdomen. The antennae are relatively short and thick. This species feeds mainly on plants such as grasses, but can also feed on leaves, flowers, and seeds. It reproduces in the summer. The courtship process is initiated by the males, who produce a characteristic stridulation sound by rubbing their wings against their hind legs. This sound is used to attract females. After mating, the female lays between dozens and hundreds of eggs in cavities dug in the ground, usually in places with loose or sandy soil, and covers them with soil. The eggs hatch the following spring, and the nymphs that emerge go through 5 to 6 nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Each stage is marked by a molt, in which the nymph sheds its exoskeleton to accommodate its growth. The nymphs complete their development in the summer.