Distribution

Bullacris discolor is endemic to South Africa, where it is distributed throughout much of the coastal regions of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces. Its extent of occurrence is ca 250,000 km².

Habitat 

Terrestrial

Bullacris discolor predominantly inhabits the Fynbos vegetation biome, but may also be found in the succulent Karoo, Albany thicket, Indian Ocean coastal belt, and savanna biomes. It is specific to a small number of host plant species, which include Helichrysum maritimum, Arctotis sp., Senecio halimifolius, and Metalasia muricata. Individuals are well camouflaged to match their host plant, making them difficult to detect. Colour variation has been observed within subpopulations, with individuals sometimes being covered in white to yellow spots, depending on their host plant species. In particular, individuals that feed on M. muricata are typically spotted. In addition, males with a bright reddish colour have been observed, although these individuals are uncommon.

Population trend

Bullacris discolor emerges seasonally, and has been observed from September to February. The population size and trend are unknown, although the species is fairly abundant.