Children adore grasshoppers while gardeners dread them, as they possess an unmistakable charm for kids and pose a nuisance to those who tend to their gardens. Grasshoppers, often found on the ground, come in various shades of green or brown and are equipped with notable hind legs that enable them to leap great distances. While most grasshoppers are terrestrial, some species are capable of flight, and when they gather in large swarms known as locusts, they can wreak havoc on crops. These fascinating insects come in a range of sizes, from minuscule creatures measuring just a few millimeters to colossal giants like the enormous hedge grasshopper, stretching over 3 inches (75 mm) in length.
Distinguishing grasshoppers from other insects is relatively simple due to their distinctive appearance. However, there are certain insects that closely resemble grasshoppers and share similar traits. Crickets and katydids are the two most common grasshopper-like insects. It’s important to note that locusts are a species of grasshopper, although not all grasshoppers are classified as locusts.
Contained within this composition are practical pointers on identifying the most prevalent types of grasshoppers. Descriptions and illustrations of grasshoppers will aid in recognizing these chirping, plant-consuming creatures.
A. Grasshopper Defined
A grasshopper is a variety of winged insect categorized under the suborder Caelifera, possessing six legs. With over 8,000 species, these ancient herbivorous insects are notorious for their chewing habits and are considered serious pests in many countries, where they wreak havoc on vegetation, crops, and vegetables.
Certain species of short-horned grasshoppers undergo a transformation into locusts during specific phases. Overcrowding induces these grasshoppers to alter their coloration, intensify feeding, and reproduce rapidly, turning them into swarms of destructive pests. These locust swarms can lead to famines as millions of insects strip trees, plants, and crops of their foliage.
B. Grasshopper Identification
Identifying grasshoppers relies on observing their body shape, color, and size. Like all insects, grasshoppers possess six legs and a body comprising three segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Additionally, they exhibit easily recognizable elongated hind legs and a pair of large eyes positioned vertically on their heads.
Most grasshoppers are brown or green, occasionally black, insects. Nevertheless, certain species, such as the rainbow grasshopper, boast vibrant colors. These creatures possess robust mouthparts designed for chewing plants. Typically, grasshoppers possess short, stubby antennae, although long-horned grasshoppers display elongated antennae. Chirping sounds are a common feature among grasshoppers and serve as a means of communication within their communities.
C. Types of Grasshoppers – An Identification Guide with Illustrations
Grasshopper species are incredibly diverse, with numerous variations in size. Some are diminutive, while others grow to considerable dimensions. When at rest, grasshoppers exhibit distinctive color patterns and possess hind legs arranged in a distinctive ‘V’ shape. Read on for insights on identifying commonly encountered grasshopper species.
1. The Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus)
The common green grasshopper is a medium-sized green insect displaying slight brown coloration on its abdomen. These winged creatures possess short antennae, brown or yellow eyes, and robust hind legs. A notable characteristic of this green grasshopper is its elongated tubular organ at the rear.
Measuring between 0.67″ and 0.79″ (17 – 20 mm) in length, this green insect produces distinct mating calls.
Additionally, these grasshoppers emit ticking sounds.
As is common among various grasshopper species, males and females differ in appearance. Female grasshoppers typically exhibit a lime green hue, while males are primarily brown with mottled black and white patterns.
Grasshopper Identification:
The common green grasshopper is easily recognizable due to its lime green coloration, brown eyes, and brownish stripes along the abdomen.
2. The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera)
The eastern lubber grasshopper ranks among North America’s largest grasshoppers. This colossal insect features striking black, reddish-pink, yellow, and orange patterns. However, the coloration varies depending on conditions and growth stages. The eastern lubber grasshopper reaches lengths of approximately 3″ (75 mm).
Several distinguishing characteristics aid in identifying the eastern lubber grasshopper. Although it does not fly or hop frequently, it possesses exceptional climbing abilities. Moreover, some specimens exhibit vibrant patterns, while others display black bodies with orange stripes. These vivid colors serve as warning signals to predators, indicating that the grasshopper possesses an unpleasant taste and odor.
Native to the southeastern United States, the eastern lubber grasshopper appears mostly black with yellow or red stripes in Florida. In other southern states, it tends to exhibit a broader range of colorful patterns. This non-flying, cumbersome grasshopper can decimate citrus trees, ornamental shrubs, and vegetable crops.
Grasshopper Identification:
The eastern lubber grasshopper is easily identifiable due to its vibrant yellow, red, orange, and black body, large eyes, and colorful legs.
3. The Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus)
The common field grasshopper is a brown insect adorned with mottled brown, black, and creamy white patterns. Upon closer inspection, these brown grasshoppers are easily recognized due to their fuzzy undersides. However, identifying the grasshopper species can be challenging due to variations in color and patterns.
Typically growing between 0.70″ and 0.94″ (18 – 24 mm) in length, the common field grasshopper can exhibit various colors such as green, purple, black, or white. Some specimens may even display striped patterns instead of mottled ones.
One distinctive characteristic of the common field grasshopper is the loud chirping sound it produces on warm, sunny days. Additionally, the mottled brown grasshopper possesses noticeably large hind legs in proportion to its body.
Grasshopper Identification:
The common field grasshopper is distinguished by its mottled brown patterns, prominent hind legs, and the loud chirping noise emitted on warm days.
4. The Meadow Grasshopper (Pseudochorthippus parallelus)
The meadow grasshopper is a small green insect exhibiting black stripes along its back. These diminutive grasshoppers possess intricate ‘V’ patterns on their hind legs, long antennae, and relatively large eyes located on the sides of their heads. Female meadow grasshoppers often feature mottled brown and black colors with green shading on their abdomens.
Measuring approximately 0.75″ (20 mm) in length, this brown or green winged insect lacks the ability to fly. Instead, it leaps among vegetation or crawls along grass blades.
While green is the most prevalent color among this grasshopper species, variations in brown, pink, and purple-red can also be observed. These appearances are typically influenced by genetics rather than climatic conditions.
Grasshopper Identification:
Meadow grasshoppers are recognized by their small size, green coloration, and black stripes on their abdomens.
5. Spur-Throated Grasshoppers (Melanoplus)
Spur-throated grasshoppers encompass a substantial genus of grasshoppers native to North America. These vibrantly colored insects exhibit intricate patterns on their bodies. White lines adorn their wings, while their heads and thoraxes feature black and green markings. Their pale brown legs further contribute to their distinct appearance.
Here are identification features of several spur-throated grasshoppers:
– Red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum): This grasshopper displays a combination of green and black hues with slender lines along its wings and reddish-brown legs.
– Pine tree spur-throat grasshopper (Melanoplus punctulatus): Predominantly brown, this grasshopper exhibits beige patches on its sturdy hind legs.
– Packard’s grasshopper (Melanoplus packardii): Sandy-colored with tan stripes along its head and thorax, this grasshopper boasts distinctive characteristics.
– Green-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus viridipes): With iridescent green hues on its thorax, brown and yellow banded wings, and large rounded metallic brown eyes, this grasshopper stands out.
– Migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes): Dark brown or black with pale green patterns on its underside, this substantial native grasshopper features large hind legs with camouflaged marks. The females are slightly larger than the males.
6. Locusts
Locusts represent a group of short-horned grasshoppers that undergo a swarming or gregarious phase. The distinction between locusts and grasshoppers lies in their behavior rather than their species. All locusts are, in fact, grasshoppers; the only difference is that they transform into destructive pests when they swarm. Swarming typically occurs when vegetation experiences rapid growth after prolonged periods of drought.
Estimations suggest that there can be up to 390 million locusts per square mile, consuming the equivalent amount of food as 35,000 people in a single day.
Here are identification features of some grasshoppers classified as locusts:
– Migratory locust (Locusta migratoria): This large locust exhibits brownish hues with yellow patterns on its wings, abdomen, and head. Images of this brown grasshopper showcase spiny hind legs, small eyes, and short antennae. The length of this grasshopper ranges from 1.57″ to 2.36″ (40 – 60 mm).
– Garden locust (Acanthacris ruficornis): This variety of bird grasshopper locust displays a greenish appearance with dark brown wings, spiny hind legs, and a greenish abdomen. In comparison to its large body, it features a relatively small head. It grows up to 3″ (75 mm) long.
– Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria): This gigantic yellowish-green grasshopper is predominantly found in desert environments. The impressive locust can measure up to 3.14″ (80 mm) in length. It possesses pale-yellow hind legs, grayish forelegs, and short antennae.
It is worth noting that not all grasshoppers can be classified as locusts, even though all locusts are, indeed, grasshoppers. Some grasshopper species either do not possess the ability to fly or exhibit flight only rarely.
7. Western Horse Lubber Grasshopper (Taeniopoda eques)
The western horse lubber grasshopper stands as one of North America’s largest grasshoppers, reaching a size of up to 2.75″ (70 mm). This grasshopper species boasts intricate, yellow vein-like patterns on its black wings. Its dark brown thorax is complemented by yellow margins, while its head exhibits vibrant yellow and brown hues.
Yellow patterns on its black legs, along with yellow antennae and markings along its black abdomen, further aid in identification. Southern states often feature bright yellow western lubber grasshoppers rather than black ones.
Although possessing substantial wings, the western lubber grasshopper cannot engage in flight. Interestingly, its wings extend beyond the length of its abdomen.
This black grasshopper primarily inhabits desert bushes and grasslands in Texas and Arizona.
Grasshopper Identification:
The western lubber grasshopper is easily distinguished by its immense size, black coloration, and distinct yellow markings across its body.
8. White-Lined Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca albolineata)
The white-lined bird grasshopper represents a species of short-horned grasshopper exhibiting yellow and black coloring. Its bright appearance includes a yellow body adorned with black bands and yellow legs. Rusty-brown wings displaying mosaic patterns add to its striking features. These relatively large grasshoppers measure 2″ (50 mm) in length.
Grasshopper Identification:
The white-lined bird grasshopper is identified by its yellow body featuring black bands on the abdomen and legs.
9. Rainbow Grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor)
The rainbow grasshopper ranks among North America’s most colorful grasshoppers. This easily identifiable species showcases distinctive yellow, orange, and bluish markings, giving it a rainbow-like appearance. Notably, the rainbow grasshopper possesses tiny wing pads but lacks discernible wings, rendering it unable to fly.
Female rainbow grasshoppers grow to be 1.4″ (35 mm) in length, while males are significantly smaller, measuring only 0.8″ (20 mm). These brightly colored grasshoppers utilize their vibrant hues as a defense mechanism against predators.
Rainbow grasshoppers are commonly found in the Great Plains of North America, frequently inhabiting prairies, grasslands, and vegetated areas.
Grasshopper Identification:
The rainbow grasshopper is effortlessly recognizable due to its orange and yellow body stripes. This peculiar grasshopper lacks wings, while its hind legs feature vibrant colors, and its forelegs and antennae display shades of blue.
10. Silent Slant-Faced Grasshopper (Acridinae)
Silent slant-faced grasshoppers encompass a substantial subfamily of grasshoppers characterized by their uniquely slanted faces. As the name suggests, these grasshoppers lack the pegs on their hind legs that produce clicking sounds. Visually, silent slant-faced grasshoppers bear more resemblance to stick insects than typical grasshoppers.
Females of the species measure between 1.41″ and 2.08″ (36 – 53 mm) in length, while males range from 1″ to 1.50″ (25 – 38 mm).
Grasshopper Identification:
Identifying silent slant-faced grasshoppers is a straightforward task due to their distinct appearance. Their forewings possess angled tips instead of the typical rounded or pointed tips found in other grasshopper species. Furthermore, their heads lack the vertical angle characteristic of other grasshopper species.
11. Band-Winged Grasshoppers (Oedipodinae)
Band-winged grasshoppers represent a considerable subfamily of long-horned grasshoppers known as Oedipodinae. This subfamily comprises hundreds of grasshopper types, most of which possess colorful hindwings with red or yellow patterns bordered by black edges. Some species feature black hindwings with lighter-colored margins. Band-winged grasshoppers typically measure 1.88″ (48 mm) in length.
Here are identification features of select band-winged grasshoppers:
– Bryodemella tuberculate: This relatively large greenish grasshopper showcases distinctive creamy mottled patterns on its wings and legs.
– Arphia xanthoptera: Dark brown to black in color, this grasshopper exhibits creamy-white speckles on its hind wings.
– Chortophaga viridifasciata: Bright green in appearance, this band-winged grasshopper boasts gray-black hind wings, grayish forelegs, and reddish-brown antennae.
12. Pygmy Grasshoppers (Tetrigidae)
Pygmy grasshoppers represent some of the smallest grasshoppers, comprising several subfamilies. Common identification features of pygmy grasshoppers include scaly forewings and a long pronotum that covers part of their abdomens. Typically, pygmy grasshoppers measure less than 0.78″ (20 mm) in length.