Carolina Grasshopper

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dissosteira carolina: //ˌdɪsəˈstɪərə kəˈroʊlɪnə//

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Summary

Dissosteira carolina, known as the Carolina grasshopper, is a large band-winged grasshopper prominent in North America that inhabits disturbed, weedy grasslands. Its notable hovering flight and colorful wings make it a visually striking species, but it is also known as a minor pest in agricultural settings.

Physical Characteristics

Individuals of Dissosteira carolina reach over 32–58 mm in length. They are large with long, broad wings and have distinctive black hind wings with yellow outer borders. Color varies from yellowish or reddish to browns, grays, and occasionally greenish or bluish. Males may appear butterfly-like in flight and produce faint crepitating sounds while flying.

Identification Tips

D. carolina can be recognized by its large size, colorful wings, and pattern: two irregular darker bands across the tegmina are often present. It is often confused with Mourning Cloak butterflies (Nymphalis antiopa) due to similar size and wing coloring.

Habitat

Typically found along roadsides, nearly bare ground, and disturbed areas such as dirt paths and vacant lots, preferring weedy grasslands.

Distribution

Occurs throughout most of the lower 48 United States, except southern Florida, Gulf Coastal Plain, southwest Arizona, and the lower two-thirds of California; ranges across southern Canada and into northern Mexico.

Diet

Feeds on grasses, forbs, and weeds, with a strong preference for Bromus species and other available vegetation, as its diet may vary depending on habitat.

Life Cycle

Eggs hatch from late June to July, with nymphs developing in habitats of grass and weeds interspersed with bare ground. The nymphal stage may last from 40 up to 55 days depending on altitude.

Reproduction

Males attract females through a courtship display that includes hovering flight and stridulation. Females may take up to nine weeks to reach maturity before oviposition.

Predators

Natural predators include various birds, Carolina wolf spiders, praying mantises, and pallid bats.

Ecosystem Role

As a herbivore, it plays a role in the food web as both a grazer of plant material and a prey species for various predators.

Economic Impact

Considered a minor pest of grasses in rangelands, it can cause stand damage in crops such as autumn wheat, and in periods of high population density, it may lead to irruptions damaging various crops.

Similar Taxa

• Dissosteira longipennis

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for a butterfly due to its large size and flight pattern; confusion is usually short-lived once its body shape and behavior are noted.

Tags

• grasshopper
• Dissosteira carolina
• Carolina grasshopper
• North America
• orthoptera