Acrididae
Guides
Achurum carinatum
long-headed toothpick grasshopper
Achurum carinatum is a small, cryptic grasshopper native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the slant-faced grasshopper subfamily Gomphocerinae and exhibits strong morphological adaptations for camouflage in grassy habitats. The species is flightless with reduced wings and possesses an elongated, slender body form that closely resembles the grasses it inhabits. Coloration varies, with some individuals displaying green or black spots.
Achurum minimipenne
Tamaulipan Toothpick Grasshopper
A slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, characterized by its slender, elongated body form typical of toothpick grasshoppers. The species occurs in the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Achurum, it exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to its environment.
Acrolophitus
Crested-keel grasshopper
Acrolophitus is a genus of North American grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae. The genus contains at least four described species, including Acrolophitus hirtipes, A. maculipennis, A. nevadensis, and A. pulchellus. These grasshoppers are found primarily in western North America, inhabiting rangeland and grassland habitats. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features of the pronotum.
Acrolophitus hirtipes
Green Fool Grasshopper, Plains Point-head Grasshopper, Crested-keel Grasshopper
Acrolophitus hirtipes is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the green fool grasshopper or plains point-head grasshopper. It is native to the grasslands of central North America, with documented occurrences in Colorado, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The species is part of the tribe Acrolophitini, which is characterized by distinctive head morphology. It has been recorded in systematic surveys of western rangeland grasshoppers, indicating it is a regular component of prairie grasshopper communities.
Acrolophitus maculipennis
Texas Point-head Grasshopper, Black Fool Grasshopper
Acrolophitus maculipennis is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, characterized by its distinctive pointed head shape. It is found across a broad geographic range spanning North America, Central America, and Mexico. The species is known by two common names: Texas point-head grasshopper and black fool grasshopper. It belongs to the tribe Acrolophitini within the subfamily Gomphocerinae.
Acrolophitus pulchellus
Idaho point-headed grasshopper
Acrolophitus pulchellus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, endemic to Idaho in the United States. It occupies a highly restricted range in dry, sparsely vegetated shrubland habitats on foothills and floodplains. The species is characterized by its pointed head, soft hairy body covering, and distinctive green and white coloration. It is closely associated with stemless mock goldenweed (Stenotus acaulis) as an important host plant.
Aeoloplides rotundipennis
Rio Grande saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides rotundipennis, the Rio Grande saltbush grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Wallace in 1955 and is native to North America. It is closely related to other saltbush-feeding grasshoppers in the genus Aeoloplides, including A. chenopodii, A. tenuipennis, and A. turnbulli.
Ageneotettix brevipennis
short-wing big-headed grasshopper
Ageneotettix brevipennis is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, distinguished by its notably short wings relative to body size. The species occurs across Central America, North America, and Mexico. It belongs to a genus characterized by large heads and grass-feeding habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Agnostokasia
Agnostokasia is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Gurney and Rentz in 1964. The genus contains at least one described species, A. sublima. These grasshoppers belong to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers due to a distinctive ventral projection on the prosternum.
Agroecotettix
Aridland Scrub Jumpers
Agroecotettix is a genus of medium-sized brachypterous grasshoppers in the subfamily Melanoplinae, containing 19 described species. These short-winged, flight-limited grasshoppers inhabit aridland scrub and desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The genus was revised in 2024 with the description of 16 new species, revealing previously unrecognized diversity in this cryptic group. Species identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology.
Agymnastus
lubberly band-winged grasshoppers
Agymnastus is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1897. The genus contains at least two described species: A. ingens (the lubberly band-winged grasshopper) and A. venerabilis. Members belong to the tribe Hippiscini within the subfamily Oedipodinae, placing them among the more specialized grasshopper lineages adapted to open habitats.
Aidemona azteca
Aztec Spur-throated Grasshopper, Aztec spur-throat
Aidemona azteca is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Aztec spur-throat or Aztec Spur-throated Grasshopper. First described by Saussure in 1861, this species is native to Central America and parts of southern North America. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a group of grasshoppers characterized by the presence of a spur or projection on the ventral surface of the throat (prosternum).
Amphitornus
slant-faced grasshoppers
Amphitornus is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Gomphocerinae, tribe Eritettigini. The genus contains at least two described species: Amphitornus coloradus (striped slant-face grasshopper) and Amphitornus durangus. Members of this genus are recognized as economically significant rangeland pests in the western United States, particularly in Wyoming and Colorado. Amphitornus coloradus is specifically noted as one of six major pest species in southeastern Wyoming and is characterized by early-season hatching in mid-spring.
Aptenopedes
Aptenopedes is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising approximately 13 described species. The genus was established by Scudder in 1878 and is classified within the subfamily Melanoplinae. Members of this genus are found in North America, with distribution records from California, Florida, Georgia, and Nebraska. As spur-throated grasshoppers, they possess a distinctive sclerotized projection on the prosternum, a characteristic feature of the Melanoplinae.
Aptenopedes chefixico
Aptenopedes chefixico is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2014. It belongs to the genus Aptenopedes, a group of spur-throated grasshoppers found in North America. The species is known from a small number of observations in Florida. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Aptenopedes sphenarioides
linear-winged grasshopper
Aptenopedes sphenarioides, commonly known as the linear-winged grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is a North American species with three recognized subspecies. The species has been documented across the southeastern United States with scattered records extending to the Great Plains.
Arphia granulata
Southern Yellow-winged Grasshopper, Southern Yellowwinged Grasshopper
Arphia granulata is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the southern yellow-winged grasshopper. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Florida and Georgia. The species belongs to the genus Arphia, which includes several other yellow-winged and red-winged grasshoppers with similar flight displays and habitat preferences.
Arphia sulphurea
Sulphur-winged Grasshopper, Spring Yellow-winged Locust, Spring Yellow-winged Grasshopper
Arphia sulphurea is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the sulphur-winged grasshopper. It is distinguished by its bright yellow hind wings, which are visible during flight. The species is found in North America and is active primarily in spring, earning it the alternative common name "spring yellow-winged grasshopper." It belongs to the genus Arphia, which includes several species with colorful hind wings and crepitating flight displays.
Arrhenopeplus brunneus
Bruner slantfaced grasshopper
Arrhenopeplus brunneus is a medium-sized, colorful grasshopper of the slantfaced subfamily Gomphocerinae, widely distributed in the hills and mountains of the northwestern United States. The species inhabits mixedgrass and bunchgrass prairies, mountain meadows, parklands, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. During population irruptions, it becomes a serious pest of mountain and foothill grasslands, capable of causing considerable damage to range grasses. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle in mountain meadows and northern grasslands, with hatching occurring in June and adults appearing in July or August depending on seasonal temperatures.
Asemoplus
Asemoplus is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1897. The genus comprises at least three described species: Asemoplus hispidus, A. montanus (Montana grasshopper), and A. sierranus. It belongs to the tribe Podismini within the subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus is native to western North America.
Asemoplus sierranus
Asemoplus sierranus is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Hebard in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini. The species is known from California and broader North America. It is a member of the genus Asemoplus, which comprises small to medium-sized grasshoppers.
Aztecacris gloriosa
Atascosa Gem Grasshopper
Aztecacris gloriosa is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Atascosa Gem Grasshopper. The species name refers to its type locality near Atascosa Peak in Arizona. It is a small grasshopper measuring 16–25 mm in length and is restricted to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Booneacris polita
Willamette wingless grasshopper
Booneacris polita, commonly known as the Willamette wingless grasshopper, is a flightless species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, with records primarily from Oregon. As its common name indicates, this species lacks functional wings, a trait that distinguishes it from most other grasshoppers and reflects its adaptation to stable, localized habitats.
Boopedon
boopies, ebony grasshopper (B. nubilum), yellow-belly boopie (B. flaviventris), prairie boopie (B. gracile), short-winged boopie (B. auriventris)
Boopedon is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as boopies. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed across western North American grasslands. Species in this genus are notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males typically winged and darkly colored while females are often larger, flightless, and paler. Several species, particularly B. nubilum (the ebony grasshopper), are significant rangeland pests capable of reaching outbreak densities.
Boopedon auriventris
short-winged boopie
Boopedon auriventris, commonly known as the short-winged boopie, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with records from Arkansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. As a member of the genus Boopedon, it shares characteristics with related species but is distinguished by specific morphological features. The species has been documented in 113 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate detection by naturalists.
Bruneria brunnea
Bruner slant-faced grasshopper, Bruner's Grasshopper
Bruneria brunnea is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It inhabits mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The species is a specialized grass and sedge feeder that becomes a serious rangeland pest during population irruptions. It has been documented to reach densities of 15 adults per square yard and contributed to a historic outbreak covering 2,000 square miles in British Columbia in 1920.
Buckellacris chilcotinae
Chilcotin Grasshopper
Buckellacris chilcotinae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Chilcotin Grasshopper. The species was originally described as Bradynotes chilcotinae by Hebard in 1922 and later transferred to the genus Buckellacris. It occurs in western North America with documented records from British Columbia and Washington. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate B. c. chilcotinae and B. c. tacoma.
Campylacantha
Campylacantha is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains five described species, including the fuzzy olive-green grasshopper (C. olivacea). These grasshoppers are placed in the tribe Dactylotini and are characterized by the presence of a spur on the ventral surface of the throat (prosternum), a defining trait of spur-throated grasshoppers.
Campylacantha olivacea
Fuzzy Olive-Green Grasshopper, Olive Grasshopper
Campylacantha olivacea is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the fuzzy olive-green grasshopper or olive grasshopper. The species is characterized by its uniform olive-green to brown body coloration and is classified within subfamily Melanoplinae (Catantopinae). Three subspecies are recognized: C. o. olivacea, C. o. similis, and C. o. vivax. It is an uncommon species with a scattered distribution in North America.
Campylacantha olivacea vivax
Campylacantha olivacea vivax is a subspecies of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. It is found in the central and southwestern United States including Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. The species exhibits uniform green to brown coloration without bright contrasting patterns. It belongs to a genus characterized by specific male subgenital plate morphology useful for identification.
Chimarocephala pacifica pacifica
A subspecies of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, known for its complex acoustic and visual communication behaviors. Males produce sounds by rubbing the inner surface of the hind femora against the tegmina. Sexual behavior is mediated through cyclic female receptivity phases, with males employing stridulations, vibrations, and visual signals to communicate with both sexes.
Chloealtis conspersa
sprinkled grasshopper, sprinkled locust, sprinkled broad-winged grasshopper
Chloealtis conspersa, commonly known as the sprinkled grasshopper or sprinkled locust, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Nebraska. The species belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Chrysochraontini. It was originally described as Locusta conspersa by Harris in 1841.
Chloealtis gracilis
graceful slant-face grasshopper, Graceful Grasshopper
Chloealtis gracilis is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, found in North America. The species is characterized by its slender build and sloping facial profile typical of the genus. It is documented in California and other parts of western North America.
Chorthippus
slant-faced grasshoppers
Chorthippus is a large genus of gomphocerine grasshoppers comprising approximately 230 described species, predominantly distributed in the Palaearctic realm. The genus was erected by Franz Fieber in 1852 and has been subdivided into subgenera including Altichorthippus, Chorthippus, and Glyptobothrus. Many species within this genus are morphologically cryptic and difficult to distinguish visually, particularly in mainland Eurasia where song patterns serve as the primary means of species identification. The genus contains notable species groups such as the Chorthippus biguttulus group, which includes the common field grasshopper.
Chortophaga
green-striped grasshopper, band-winged grasshopper
Chortophaga is a genus of North American band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, tribe Chortophagini. The genus contains at least four recognized species, with C. viridifasciata (northern green-striped grasshopper) being the most widely distributed and best studied. Members are characterized by their banded hindwings and preference for moist grassland habitats. The genus ranges from Canada through the United States and into Central America and the Caribbean.
Chortophaga mendocino
Mendocino Green-striped Grasshopper
Chortophaga mendocino is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Rentz in 1977. It is endemic to California and closely related to the more widespread Chortophaga viridifasciata (green-striped grasshopper). The species is poorly studied compared to its congeners, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Cibolacris parviceps
Cream Grasshopper
Cibolacris parviceps, commonly known as the cream grasshopper, is a small grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It inhabits arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The species is notable for its cryptic, stone-like coloration that provides effective camouflage in desert habitats. It overwinters as nymphs rather than eggs, an uncommon trait among North American grasshoppers.
Cibolacris parviceps californica
Cibolacris parviceps californica is a subspecies of grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species Cibolacris parviceps is known to overwinter as nymphs rather than eggs, a trait shared by relatively few North American grasshopper species. This subspecies occurs in California, as indicated by its epithet. Members of the genus Cibolacris are typically associated with grassland and prairie habitats.
Cibolacris parviceps parviceps
cream grasshopper
Cibolacris parviceps parviceps, commonly known as the cream grasshopper, is a small grasshopper species found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. Adults measure 20–32 mm in body length and exhibit cryptic coloration resembling granite or stone, providing effective camouflage in desert environments. The species inhabits dry desert washes, overgrazed rangeland, and disturbed areas including unpaved parking lots. Unlike many grasshoppers that overwinter as eggs, C. parviceps parviceps overwinters as nymphs, with adults present early in spring. The subfamily placement of this species has been revised from Oedipodinae to Gomphocerinae, though some authors note this classification remains puzzling.
Cibolacris samalayucae
Samalayuca Dune Grasshopper
Cibolacris samalayucae is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to dune systems, with its name derived from Samalayuca, a dune field in northern Mexico. The species occurs in Mexico, with records extending into the southwestern United States. As a member of the tribe Cibolacrini, it is closely related to Cibolacris parviceps, with which it shares morphological adaptations for life in sandy environments.
Circotettix carlinianus
Carlinian Snapper, Snapper Grasshopper
Circotettix carlinianus, commonly known as the carlinian snapper or snapper grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is characterized by its noisy flight and dark or black hindwings. The species is more frequently heard than seen due to its secretive nature. It occurs throughout grassland habitats in Wyoming and broader North America.
Circotettix coconino
Coconino Wrangler Grasshopper
Circotettix coconino, known as the Coconino Wrangler Grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Rehn in 1921. The species is known from limited records in North America, with confirmed presence in Arizona.
Clematodes
creosotebush grasshoppers
Clematodes is a genus of North American short-horned grasshoppers comprising two described species. Both species are associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) habitats in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus is placed in the subfamily Copiocerinae and tribe Clematodini. Species within this genus show specialized host plant relationships with Larrea species.
Clematodes vanduzeei
papago creosotebush grasshopper
Clematodes vanduzeei is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the papago creosotebush grasshopper. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Arizona and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Hebard in 1923 and is classified within the subfamily Copiocerinae. Two subspecies are recognized: C. v. vanduzeei and C. v. papago.
Conalcaeini
Conalcaeini is a tribe of grasshoppers within the subfamily Melanoplinae of the family Acrididae, established by Cohn and Cantrall in 1974. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in North America. Members are part of the diverse short-horned grasshopper fauna and share characteristics typical of the Melanoplinae subfamily, including a pronotum that does not extend backward over the abdomen. The tribe has been documented through substantial field observations, with over 1,900 records on iNaturalist.
Conozoa carinata
Ridged Grasshopper
Conozoa carinata, commonly known as the Ridged Grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across North America and Central America. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including New Mexico, where it has been observed in open, disturbed habitats such as parking areas. As a member of the Oedipodinae subfamily, it possesses the characteristic banded wings typical of this group.
Conozoa hyalina
Central Valley Grasshopper, California Central Valley Grasshopper
Conozoa hyalina was a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, endemic to the United States. The species is now extinct. It was known from the Central Valley of California, from which its common names were derived. No living observations of this species exist.
Dactylotum
Dactylotum is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains two species: Dactylotum bicolor and Dactylotum corallinum. These grasshoppers are native to North America and are notable for their striking aposematic coloration. Dactylotum bicolor, commonly called the rainbow grasshopper or barber pole grasshopper, is the better-known species and has been documented across the western United States, Canada, and northern Mexico.
Dendrotettix australis
Scrub Pine Grasshopper
Dendrotettix australis, commonly known as the scrub pine grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Morse in 1907. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini, placing it among a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The specific epithet "australis" (southern) may reflect its distribution in the southeastern United States.
Dendrotettix quercus
post oak grasshopper, post-oak locust
Dendrotettix quercus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the post oak grasshopper or post-oak locust. The species is associated with oak-dominated habitats, particularly those featuring post oak (Quercus stellata). As a member of the Melanoplinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of grasshoppers often associated with woody vegetation and forest edges rather than open grasslands.