Melanoplus femurrubrum

Adults distinguished by bright red hind tibiae (though rare yellowish-green or blue variants occur), bright yellow underside, and wings extending past abdomen. Males identified by bulbous subgenital plate with U-shape and distinctive cercus morphology. Nymphs identifiable by contrasting yellow and black markings: brown to burgundy compound eyes with light spots (more dorsal), dark vertical facial band with yellow lateral bands, pale yellow crescent on gena, and unbroken black stripe on upper medial area of hind femur. Similar species include other Melanoplus, but red tibiae and yellow venter combination is distinctive. Differs from M. bivittatus (two-striped grasshopper) by lack of pale stripes on back and different hind tibia coloration.

Occupies diverse habitats across North America but prefers grasslands, meadows, and areas with dense vegetation. Common in disturbed habitats including old fields, field margins, roadsides, pastures, lawns, and open woods. In arid regions, restricted to areas near water. Favors low, moist, weedy areas where host plants are abundant. In Connecticut, distribution limited by soil temperature and grass habitat characteristics affecting oviposition and egg development.

Widespread across most of North America except high mountain altitudes and extreme northern regions. Ranges throughout Canada, the continental United States, and into central Mexico. Most widely distributed species of major crop grasshoppers. Historical center of distribution in Iowa-Illinois-Minnesota-Wisconsin region where outbreaks are frequent. Abundant throughout Colorado and common in eastern United States and Canada.

Univoltine (one generation per year) in most of range; eggs overwinter in soil diapause and hatch in spring when soil temperatures increase. Nymphs present late spring through summer; adults active from early summer to first frost. In southern distribution, adults and nymphs may be present year-round with potential for multiple generations. Hatching period lasts approximately 52 days, beginning about three weeks after M. bivittatus. Nymphal development takes 28-40 days depending on temperature.

Mixed-feeding herbivore consuming both forbs and grasses. Field studies show preference for forbs over grasses when available. Known host plants include legumes (alfalfa, sweet clover, birdsfoot trefoil, lespedeza, milkvetches), composites (dandelion, chicory, Canada goldenrod, kochia, western ragweed), and grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, barley, oats, wheat, smooth brome, timothy, reed canarygrass). Dietary composition varies with plant availability and seasonal conditions. Nutritional intake of protein-carbohydrate ratios fluctuates seasonally. At high densities, damages alfalfa, clover, soybeans, small grains, corn, tobacco, and vegetables including beans, beets, cabbage, and potatoes.

Incomplete metamorphosis with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females deposit eggs in autumn in top 2 cm of soil in curved pods 19-25 mm long containing 20-26 eggs. Eggs enter winter diapause and complete development as soil warms in spring. First instar nymphs emerge and dig to surface. Five to seven nymphal instars before final molt to adult. Developmental polymorphism allows variable growth rates—some individuals develop rapidly while others show delayed development, extending seasonal activity. Ovariole number varies geographically and between years, positively correlated with growing season length and previous year precipitation.

Diurnal activity pattern: roosts on vegetation tops at night, descends to feed around 7 a.m., resumes roosting 4:30-5:30 p.m. Occasionally feeds at night in marshes (8 p.m. to midnight). Strong flight capability for dispersal; flushed individuals fly swift, even flight 3-4 feet above vegetation for 30-40 feet. In drought years, adults develop longer wings and make lengthier flights, sometimes accompanying migratory grasshopper species. Generally solitary with limited migratory behavior, though slight mass flight tendencies during severe outbreaks. Newly hatched nymphs climb vegetation for 3+ hours before beginning to feed. Increases carbohydrate intake and metabolic rate in presence of spider predators.

Herbivore contributing to plant community dynamics through selective grazing on forbs and grasses. Serves as prey for various predators including spiders, birds, and other arthropods. Acts as intermediate host for poultry parasites: tapeworm Choanotaenia infundibulum, globular stomach worm Tetrameres americana (affecting turkeys and quail), and tapeworm Metroliasthes lucida (in turkeys and guinea fowl). Population outbreaks can significantly alter vegetation structure and agricultural ecosystems.

Major agricultural pest of legumes, small grains, and vegetables. During outbreaks, causes severe damage to alfalfa, clover, soybeans, wheat, barley, oats, corn, tobacco, beans, beets, cabbage, and potatoes. Losses of 20-25% reported in individual oat fields; capable of destroying second clover crops. Laboratory studies show 75% of removed foliage is wasted rather than ingested. Frequently used as model organism in scientific research due to abundance and behavioral responses to climate change. Occasionally becomes suburban pest in disturbed areas. Subject to control efforts during outbreak periods.

• Melanoplus bivittatus (two-striped grasshopper)Lacks pale stripes on pronotum that give M. bivittatus its name; M. femurrubrum has red hind tibiae versus typically yellow or green in M. bivittatus; M. bivittatus hatches earlier in season
• Melanoplus differentialis (differential grasshopper)Larger size and more robust build; M. differentialis has black herringbone pattern on hind femora and yellowish to orange hind tibiae rather than bright red
• Melanoplus sanguinipes (lesser migratory grasshopper)Similar size and habitat but hind tibiae typically red or reddish-brown with less vivid coloration; M. sanguinipes has more pronounced migratory behavior and different wing proportions

• grasshopper
• agricultural pest
• model organism
• North America
• mixed feeder
• univoltine
• developmental polymorphism
• climate sensitivity

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Redlegged Grasshopper
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Species Records and Accounts
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Polymorphic Development in Relation to the Life History of Melanoplus femurrubrum (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
• The distribution of Melanoplus femurrubrum : fear and freezing in Connecticut
• FEEDING HABITS AND FOOD PREFERENCES OF MELANOPLUS BIVITTATUS AND M. FEMURRUBRUM (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)
• Maternal environment and variation in ovariole number among populations of Melanoplus femurrubrum and M. scudderi scudderi
• Consumption and utilization of various host plants by Melanoplus bivittatus (Say) and M. femurrubrum (DeGeer) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)