Stethophyma gracilis

Distinguished from congeners by the combination of long wings extending beyond the abdomen, slender body proportions, and the structure of the male cerci. Differs from Stethophyma grossum (which occurs in overlapping range in some areas) by smaller size, more gracile build, and different habitat preference—S. gracilis favors wetter sites. Male stridulatory file has fewer pegs than S. grossum. The species name 'gracilis' refers to its slender appearance.

Medium-sized grasshopper with a slender, elongate body. Pronotum is saddle-shaped and does not extend over the abdomen. Wings are long, extending well beyond the abdomen in most individuals. Coloration is typically greenish to brownish with variable patterning. Hind femora are relatively long and slender. Antennae are filiform and of moderate length.

Moist meadows, wet grasslands, marshes, and riparian zones in montane and subalpine regions. Often found in habitats with standing water or saturated soils. Associated with sedges and rushes in addition to grasses. Elevation range typically 1,500-3,000 meters.

Western North America: Rocky Mountain region from Montana and Wyoming south through Colorado and Utah. Also recorded in Idaho and adjacent areas. Distribution is discontinuous, with populations concentrated in suitable moist habitat patches.

Adults present from late July through September in most of the range. Nymphs develop through spring and early summer. One generation per year.

Primarily grasses (Poaceae), with sedges (Cyperaceae) and rushes (Juncaceae) also consumed. Has been observed feeding on various meadow grasses including species of Poa, Festuca, and Carex.

• Poa spp. - food plantbluegrasses
• Festuca spp. - food plantfescues
• Carex spp. - food plantsedges

Egg stage overwinters. Nymphs emerge in late spring and develop through five instars. Adults appear in mid to late summer. Mating occurs shortly after adult emergence. Females deposit eggs in soil or plant stems in moist substrate. One generation annually.

Males produce audible stridulation by rubbing hind femora against forewings. Flight is relatively strong for the subfamily, with individuals capable of sustained flight over short distances. Often perches on vegetation rather than ground. Tends to remain in dense vegetation rather than exposed ground.

Herbivore in moist meadow ecosystems. Serves as prey for birds, small mammals, and predatory insects. Population densities are typically low to moderate; not known as a significant agricultural pest.

No significant economic impact. Occasionally present in rangeland surveys but rarely reaches densities requiring management. Used as an indicator species for intact wet meadow habitats in some conservation assessments.

• Stethophyma grossumLarger, more robust body; shorter wings relative to body length; prefers drier habitats; male stridulatory file with more pegs
• Pseudochorthippus curtipennisShorter wings not reaching abdomen tip; different male cercus structure; similar habitat but different stridulation pattern
• Chorthippus spp.Different pronotal shape; usually shorter wings; different stridulatory mechanism and song characteristics

• grasshopper
• Gomphocerinae
• western North America
• montane
• wet meadow
• stridulation

• BugGuide
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Species Records and Accounts
• Grasshopper Collections and Survey
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