Early-hatching
Guides
Aeoloplides turnbulli
thistle grasshopper, Russian thistle grasshopper, saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides turnbulli is a medium-sized, robust spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the thistle grasshopper or Russian thistle grasshopper. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: A. t. turnbulli in the north and A. t. bruneri in the south, distinguished primarily by wing length. It is an early-hatching species with a prolonged nymphal development period of 50–60 days. The species has demonstrated outbreak potential, with historical population irruptions documented in western Kansas during the 1930s and in the Big Horn Basin, Wyoming, in 1993.
Aeropedellus clavatus
Club-horned Grasshopper, Clubhorned Grasshopper, Slant-faced Grasshopper
Aeropedellus clavatus, commonly known as the club-horned grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distinguished by its club-shaped antennae, with the last six segments enlarged and darker than the rest. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are flightless with short wings, while males may have either short or long wings, with long-winged males capable of flight. It is one of the earliest-hatching grasshoppers in its range, emerging in early spring and completing development rapidly. Populations are most abundant in the Canadian prairies, where it is the most widely distributed grassland grasshopper species.
Ageneotettix deorum
white-whiskered grasshopper, white whiskers grasshopper, sand grasshopper
Ageneotettix deorum is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper widely distributed across North American grasslands. It is frequently the dominant species in mixedgrass and bunchgrass prairie outbreaks, reaching densities of 25 adults per square yard. The species exhibits early-season hatching with nymphal development spanning 40–48 days. Adults are ground-dwelling, diurnal herbivores that feed on grasses and ground litter. Population dynamics show sensitivity to weather and predation, with outbreaks typically building over 3–5 years followed by sudden crashes.
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.
Amphitornus coloradus
striped slant-face grasshopper, striped grasshopper
Amphitornus coloradus is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper distributed across western North American grasslands. It is a significant pest of rangeland, feeding almost exclusively on grasses and sedges. The species is characterized by distinctive chocolate brown stripes running above the compound eyes and onto the pronotum. It is an early-hatching species with strong flight capabilities, though it rarely achieves dominant population status in grasshopper assemblages.
Aulocara elliotti
Big-headed Grasshopper, Bigheaded Grasshopper, Elliott Grasshopper
Aulocara elliotti, commonly known as the big-headed grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper native to western North America. It is a significant economic pest of rangeland grasses, often reaching outbreak densities of 20-40 individuals per square yard. The species is notable for its relatively large head, early spring emergence, and destructive feeding behavior that includes both consumption and cutting of grass leaves. It completes one generation annually and is frequently the dominant species in grasshopper assemblages across desert, mixedgrass, shortgrass, and bunchgrass prairies.
Dissosteira pictipennis
California rose-winged grasshopper
Dissosteira pictipennis is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the California rose-winged grasshopper. The species belongs to the genus Dissosteira, characterized by a high median pronotal crest deeply cut by one sulcus and a slender body form. It is found in Central America and North America, with documented presence in California and other western regions. The species is classified within the early hatching group of grasshoppers, with nymphs emerging in mid-spring.
Dissosteira spurcata
spurcate grasshopper, pale-winged grasshopper
Dissosteira spurcata is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the spurcate grasshopper or pale-winged grasshopper. It belongs to a genus characterized by a high median pronotal crest deeply cut by one sulcus, slender body form, and medium to large size. The species is found in western North America, with records from California and probable occurrence in extreme western Wyoming. It is listed among species of the early hatching group, with nymphs emerging in mid-spring.
Oedaleonotus enigma
Valley Grasshopper
Oedaleonotus enigma, the valley grasshopper, is a large, colorful spur-throated grasshopper native to western North America. It is a significant rangeland pest capable of reaching outbreak densities exceeding 20 adults per square yard. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) forms occurring in populations. It is notable for early spring hatching and a relatively long nymphal period of 42-50 days due to cool temperatures and six instars rather than the typical five.