Most grasshoppers are brown or green in color, and patterned for camouflage. But many have hind wings that are a bright contrasting color. This is "flash coloration." If an enemy comes too close, the grasshopper suddenly takes flight, showing the bright hind wings. This can startle and put off a predator. Alternatively, if the predator watches the bright wings, it can be confused when the insect suddenly lands, and disappears behind its camouflage.