Melanoplus bivittatus femoratus

Distinguished from similar Melanoplus species by the two prominent pale stripes running lengthwise along the back from head to wing tips. The black stripe on the upper surface of the hind femora is a key characteristic. Differs from M. femurrubrum (red-legged grasshopper) by having pale rather than red hind tibiae, and from M. sanguinipes (migratory grasshopper) by wing pattern and body proportions.

Medium-sized grasshopper with two pale stripes running along the dorsal surface from head to wing tips. Body color ranges from green to brown. Hind femora typically have a black stripe on the upper surface. Adults possess fully developed wings capable of flight.

Found in dense stands of grass and weeds, cultivated fields, field margins, roadsides, pastures, meadows, lawns, and open woods. In arid regions, occurs primarily near water sources. Thrives in disturbed habitats and areas with vigorous grass growth.

Widely distributed across the United States and southern Canada, extending south into central Mexico. Present throughout Colorado and Texas, with regional population variations driven by weather conditions.

Overwinters as eggs in soil. Adults present from July through first frost. Egg hatch occurs in spring and early summer, with nymphs visible throughout spring and summer. Development from egg to adult requires 40 to 60 days.

Polyphagous feeder consuming grasses and forbs. Documented to feed on at least eight grass species, three sedges, and numerous forbs including western ragweed, sweet clover, alfalfa, vetch, and various thistle species.

• Bluegrass - primary grass food source
• Western ragweed - primary forb food source
• Summercypress - primary forb food source
• Sweet clover - preferred food
• Alfalfa - preferred food
• Bermudagrass - pasture host
• Ryegrass - pasture host
• Wheat - crop host

Eggs are deposited in clusters ½ to 2 inches deep in undisturbed soil of untilled fields, fencerows, ditches, and hayfields. Eggs hatch in spring and early summer. Nymphs pass through five to six instars before molting to adult stage. Adults develop fully functional wings and can fly. Most populations complete one generation per year.

Can exhibit gregarious behavior and mass flights during severe outbreaks, though generally less migratory than M. sanguinipes. Adults fly in search of green vegetation as weeds mature and dry. Active until late fall when adults die or killing frost occurs.

Herbivore that consumes significant quantities of plant material. Serves as intermediate host to poultry parasites including tapeworm Choanotaenia infundibulum, globular stomach worm Tetrameres americana, and tapeworm Metroliasthes lucida. Susceptible to fungal diseases that help regulate populations during cool, wet weather.

Major agricultural pest of pastures, hayfields, and crops. One of five grasshopper species responsible for most crop damage in Texas. Economic thresholds vary by crop: in bermudagrass hay, treatment warranted at 2-3 grasshoppers per square foot. Controlled with various insecticides including carbaryl, malathion, and pyrethroids. Early harvest can be alternative to chemical treatment in hay production.

• Melanoplus femurrubrumSimilar size and habitat preference; distinguished by red hind tibiae versus pale tibiae in M. bivittatus, and lack of paired dorsal stripes
• Melanoplus sanguinipesSimilar agricultural pest status; distinguished by different wing venation pattern and more pronounced migratory behavior
• Melanoplus differentialisAnother damaging Melanoplus species; distinguished by chevron markings on hind femora rather than single dark stripe

• grasshopper
• agricultural pest
• pasture pest
• polyphagous
• drought-associated

• BugGuide
• Catalogue of Life
• Hay and Pasture Insects - AgriLife Extension Entomology
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Species Records and Accounts
• Grasshoppers of Colorado