Grasshopper
Guides
Achurum
toothpick grasshoppers
Achurum is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, commonly known as toothpick grasshoppers. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. These grasshoppers are noted for their slender, elongate bodies and cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against vegetation and substrates.
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.
Achurum sumichrasti
Sumichrast Toothpick Grasshopper
Achurum sumichrasti, commonly known as the Sumichrast Toothpick Grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It belongs to a group of grasshoppers commonly referred to as toothpick grasshoppers, characterized by their slender, elongated body form. The species has been documented across Central America and the southern United States, with observational records indicating established populations in Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against its surroundings.
Acrididae
Short-horned Grasshoppers, Grasshoppers
Acrididae is the largest family of grasshoppers, comprising approximately 6,700–10,000 species within the suborder Caelifera. Members are characterized by short, stout antennae and auditory tympana located on the first abdominal segment. The family includes all locust species capable of forming destructive swarms, making it economically significant worldwide. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the family originated in South America during the Paleocene, approximately 59 million years ago, rather than Africa as previously believed.
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 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
Saltbush Grasshoppers
Aeoloplides is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers comprising approximately nine described species. Members are commonly known as saltbush grasshoppers, reflecting their documented association with saltbush-dominated habitats. The genus belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae within family Acrididae. Species within this genus occur in western North America, with records from Colorado, Wyoming, and surrounding states.
Aeoloplides chenopodii
Colorado Plateaus Saltbush Grasshopper
Aeoloplides chenopodii is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, known as the Colorado Plateaus Saltbush Grasshopper. The species is native to western North America and is associated with saltbush habitats. It was described by Bruner in 1894 under the basionym Pezotettix chenopodii. The species is considered to be probably present in Wyoming along the lower Green River, though it was not documented in the 1988-2018 Wyoming survey.
Aeoloplides elegans
elegant saltbush grasshopper
Aeoloplides elegans, the elegant saltbush grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from New Mexico. Like other members of the genus Aeoloplides, it is associated with saltbush habitats. The species was described by Scudder in 1897.
Aeoloplides fratercula
Northern Coast Bush Grasshopper
Aeoloplides fratercula, known as the northern coast bush grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It belongs to a genus of grasshoppers associated with coastal and salt marsh habitats. The species has been documented in California and is considered part of the North American grasshopper fauna, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Aeoloplides minor
Little Saltbush Grasshopper
Aeoloplides minor, commonly known as the little saltbush grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Nevada. The species is a member of the genus Aeoloplides, which includes other saltbush-associated grasshoppers. It is among the less economically significant grasshopper species in western North America.
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.
Aeoloplides tenuipennis
narrow-winged saltbush grasshopper, narrow-winged bush grasshopper
A spur-throated grasshopper specialized on chenopod plants, particularly saltbushes (Atriplex species). It inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it feeds on plants often considered noxious weeds, including Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). The species is generally regarded as beneficial or innocuous in rangeland settings rather than a crop pest.
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 arcticus
Arctic Grasshopper
Aeropedellus arcticus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1935. It belongs to the genus Aeropedellus, commonly known as clubhorned grasshoppers due to their distinctive clavate antennae. The species epithet 'arcticus' suggests an association with arctic or high-latitude environments. As a member of the subfamily Gomphocerinae, it is part of a group characterized by slant-faced grasshoppers with specific antennal modifications. The species is known from Alaska and broader North America, though detailed biological studies appear limited compared to its congener A. clavatus.
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
slant-faced grasshoppers
Ageneotettix is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by McNeill in 1897. The genus contains at least three described species: A. brevipennis, A. deorum, and A. salutator. Species in this genus are characteristic inhabitants of western North American grasslands, where they serve as important components of grasshopper assemblages. Ageneotettix deorum, the white-whiskered grasshopper, is particularly notable for its widespread distribution and frequent dominance in mixedgrass prairie communities, where it has been recorded contributing over 50% of total grasshopper population density in some locations.
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.
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.
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.
Agroecotettix modestus
Modest Aridland Scrub Jumper
Agroecotettix modestus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1908. It belongs to a genus of aridland scrub grasshoppers found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with desert and semi-arid environments, particularly in Texas and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to hot, dry conditions and exhibits behaviors such as seeking shade during extreme heat.
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
Aztec spur-throat (for A. azteca)
Aidemona is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1893. The genus contains five described species distributed primarily in Mexico and Central America. The best-known member is Aidemona azteca, commonly called the Aztec spur-throat. These grasshoppers belong to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of New World grasshoppers.
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).
Amblytropidia
Amblytropidia is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Stål in 1873. It contains approximately 14 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the Caribbean, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as the southeastern United States. The genus belongs to the tribe Amblytropidiini within the subfamily Gomphocerinae. Members share the characteristic slant-faced head morphology typical of this grasshopper group.
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.
Anacridium
tree locusts, bird grasshoppers
Anacridium is a genus of large grasshoppers commonly known as tree locusts or bird grasshoppers, placed in the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of southern Europe and Asia. Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper, serves as the type species and is among the most studied members of the genus. Species in this genus are associated with woody vegetation and have been documented as occasional pests of trees and agricultural crops.
Anacridium aegyptium
Egyptian grasshopper, Egyptian locust, Egyptian Bird Grasshopper
One of the largest European grasshoppers, reaching up to 70 mm in females. Distinguished by striped eyes, blue hind tibiae, and orange hind femora with dark markings. Solitary and folivorous, inhabiting warm, bright environments from sea level to 1,500 m. Active year-round with adults most visible August–September; overwinters as adults and spawns in spring.
Anconia hebardi
Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper
Anconia hebardi, commonly known as Hebard's blue-winged desert grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper described by Rehn in 1919. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae, a group characterized by often colorful hind wings used in display flight. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Anconia integra
Alkali Grasshopper
Anconia integra, commonly known as the alkali grasshopper, is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It was described by Scudder in 1876. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with documented records from California and Nevada.
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 rufovittata
Aptenopedes rufovittata is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1878. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers. The species has been documented in scattered locations across the southeastern and western United States. Despite its long taxonomic history, detailed biological information remains limited.
Arphia
band-winged grasshoppers
Arphia is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing at least 11 described species distributed across western North America. The genus is characterized by species with brightly colored hind wings—typically red, yellow, or orange—that are concealed at rest but displayed during flight. Several species are notable for producing audible crepitation sounds by snapping their wings together during courtship and territorial displays. Members occupy diverse grassland habitats from lowland prairies to high-elevation mountain meadows.
Arphia conspersa
Speckle-winged Rangeland Grasshopper, Speckled Rangeland Grasshopper
Arphia conspersa is a large band-winged grasshopper (family Acrididae, subfamily Oedipodinae) distributed across western North America from Alaska to Mexico. Adults are active primarily in spring, distinguishing them seasonally from the related redwinged grasshopper (Arphia pseudonietana) which appears in late summer and fall. The species exhibits distinctive visual and acoustical courtship displays, with males performing aggregation flights accompanied by crackling crepitation. It inhabits diverse grassland habitats including prairies, desert shrub communities, and montane meadows up to 11,000 feet elevation.
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.
Arphiini
Arphiini is a tribe of band-winged grasshoppers within the subfamily Oedipodinae (family Acrididae). The tribe contains genera notable for remarkable cryptic coloration that matches rock and lichen substrates. Members exhibit striking intraspecific color polymorphism, with individuals ranging from blue-green lichen-mimics to brown and black forms adapted to barren rock surfaces. The tribe is part of a globally distributed group historically treated as the family Oedipodidae.
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 montanus
Montana Grasshopper
Asemoplus montanus, commonly known as the Montana grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was originally described by Bruner in 1885 under the genus Bradynotes. It is currently classified within the genus Asemoplus, which belongs to the tribe Podismini. The species is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Washington state.
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.
Aulocara
slant-faced grasshoppers
Aulocara is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising at least three described species distributed across western North America. The genus includes economically significant rangeland pests, notably Aulocara elliotti (big-headed grasshopper), which can reach outbreak densities and cause substantial damage to grass forage. Species in this genus inhabit diverse grassland ecosystems from southern Canada to central Mexico.
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.
Aulocara femoratum
Whitecrossed Grasshopper, White Cross Grasshopper, White-crossed Grasshopper
Aulocara femoratum, commonly known as the whitecrossed grasshopper, is a medium-sized slant-faced grasshopper inhabiting western North American grasslands. It is a generalist grass feeder that occasionally reaches pest status in mixedgrass prairie habitats, though it is typically subdominant to its congener Aulocara elliotti. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in both size and feeding behavior, with males being smaller and more mobile while females are larger and more sedentary. It completes one generation annually, overwintering as eggs.
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.
Billbrownia rupestris
Billbrownia rupestris is a grasshopper species in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, tribe Eritettigini. It is associated with rocky habitats, as indicated by its species epithet 'rupestris' (meaning 'of rocks'). The genus Billbrownia was established to accommodate species previously placed in Bruneria, reflecting taxonomic revisions based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence.