Grasshopper
Guides
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.
Bootettix
creosote bush grasshoppers
Bootettix is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, first described by Bruner in 1889. The genus contains at least two described species, including Bootettix argentatus, commonly known as the creosote bush grasshopper. Species in this genus are associated with arid environments in southwestern North America. The genus is classified within the subfamily Gomphocerinae and tribe Acrolophitini.
Brachystola
grassland lubbers
Brachystola is a genus of large, flightless grassland lubber grasshoppers in the family Romaleidae, distributed across the western United States and Mexico. Members are among the largest grasshoppers in North America, with robust bodies, short non-functional wings, and striking coloration. The genus includes six recognized species, with Brachystola magna (plains lubber grasshopper) being the most studied due to its use in early genetic research and its status as an occasional agricultural pest.
Brachystola magna
Plains Lubber Grasshopper, Western Lubber Grasshopper, Homesteader
Brachystola magna is one of the largest grasshoppers in North America, a flightless species inhabiting the Great Plains from the Canadian border to central Mexico. Adults reach 4–6 cm in length, with females substantially larger and heavier than males. The species exhibits a two-year life cycle, with eggs overwintering twice before hatching. Though primarily herbivorous, adults display notable omnivory including scavenging and predation on other insects. The species has historical scientific significance as the subject of Walter Sutton's pioneering work on reduction division and chromosome theory.
Bruneria
slant-faced grasshoppers
Bruneria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the subfamily Gomphocerinae, native to northwestern North America. The genus contains at least three described species: Bruneria brunnea (Bruner slant-faced grasshopper), Bruneria shastana (Shasta slant-faced grasshopper), and Bruneria yukonensis (Yukon slant-faced grasshopper). These grasshoppers inhabit mountain meadows, mixedgrass prairies, and alpine tundra at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 11,100 feet. The best-studied species, B. brunnea, is primarily a grass-feeder that can become a serious pest during population irruptions.
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.
Caelifera
Grasshoppers, Locusts, and Allies, Short-horned Grasshoppers
Caelifera is a suborder of Orthoptera comprising approximately 12,000 described species across 2,400 genera, including grasshoppers, ground-hoppers (Tetrigoidea), and pygmy mole crickets (Tridactyloidea). The group is distinguished from the other orthopteran suborder Ensifera by short antennae, enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, and a stout, chisel-like ovipositor (the source of its Latin name meaning 'chisel-bearing'). Caelifera represents one of the oldest lineages of chewing herbivorous insects, with fossil records extending to the latest Permian. The suborder is divided into two infraorders: Tridactylidea (pygmy mole crickets and extinct relatives) and Acrididea (grasshoppers and ground-hoppers).
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 californica
Chimarocephala californica is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Oedipodinae. It was described by Bruner in 1905 and is endemic to California. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive head morphology. Available records indicate limited observational data, with most documentation coming from museum collections rather than extensive field studies.
Chimarocephala elongata
Rentz' Meadow Hopper
Chimarocephala elongata is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, first described by Rentz in 1977. It is commonly known as Rentz' Meadow Hopper. The species belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae and tribe Chortophagini. It has been documented in North America, with confirmed records from California.
Chimarocephala pacifica
Painted Meadow Grasshopper, Painted Grasshopper
Chimarocephala pacifica is a band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the painted meadow grasshopper. The species occurs in western North America and Central America, with subspecies C. p. pacifica and C. p. incisa recognized. Males produce acoustic signals through stridulation and vibration for sexual communication, while both sexes employ visual signals including a waving gesture.
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
slant-faced grasshoppers
Chloealtis is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing approximately five described species. Species in this genus are associated with forested and mountainous habitats in western North America. The genus has been studied extensively for its unusual meiotic chromosome behavior, particularly regarding synaptonemal complex formation and nuclear envelope attachment during cell division.
Chloealtis abdominalis
Rocky Mountain Sprinkled Locust
Chloealtis abdominalis is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Sprinkled Locust. It belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae, a group characterized by their slanted face profile and stridulatory pegs on the hind legs used for sound production. The species has been documented in the western United States, with records from Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming. It is one of two species in the genus Chloealtis known from Colorado, alongside the more widespread C. conspersa.
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 dianae
Diana black-side grasshopper
Chloealtis dianae, the Diana black-side grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with specific records from California. The species was described in 1964 by Gurney, Strohecker, and Helfer. Like other members of the genus Chloealtis, it belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae, characterized by slanted facial profiles and association with grassland or open woodland habitats.
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.
Chortophaga viridifasciata viridifasciata
Greenstriped Grasshopper, Northern Green-striped Locust
The greenstriped grasshopper is a medium-sized bandwinged species widely distributed across North America, extending into Central America. Northern populations are univoltine, overwintering as late-instar nymphs and maturing in early spring, while southern populations may produce two or more generations annually. Adults exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in coloration: most females are green, most males are brown. The species is a strong flier with long wings extending beyond the abdomen, and males produce crepitation during flight. Though abundant in the eastern United States, populations remain patchy in western regions where the species is restricted to moist microhabitats.
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.
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.
Circotettix shastanus
Shasta grasshopper, sierra crackler
Circotettix shastanus is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the Shasta grasshopper or sierra crackler. It is native to western North America, with documented presence in California. The species belongs to a genus characterized by crackling flight sounds produced by specialized wing structures.
Circotettix stenometopus
Circotettix stenometopus is a band-winged grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, described by Strohecker & Buxton in 1963. It belongs to the genus Circotettix, which contains several North American species characterized by their banded wing patterns and active flight behavior. The species is known from limited records in western North America.
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 larreae
gray creosotebush grasshopper
Clematodes larreae, commonly known as the gray creosotebush grasshopper, is a North American short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species exhibits a documented association with creosote bush (Larrea), from which its specific epithet is derived. Research has identified host plant usage including a newly recorded host in Texas.
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.
Conalcaea
Conalcaea is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. The genus contains three recognized species: C. cantralli, C. huachucana (Huachuca grasshopper), and C. miguelitana. These grasshoppers are restricted to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
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.
Cordillacris
Cordillacris is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn in 1901. The genus contains two described species: Cordillacris crenulata (crenulated grasshopper) and Cordillacris occipitalis (spot-winged grasshopper). Both species are small, slender grasshoppers of western North American grasslands. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns and coloration that distinguish it from related genera.
Cordillacris crenulata
Crenulated Grasshopper, Crenulatewinged Grasshopper
Cordillacris crenulata is a small, slender slant-faced grasshopper native to western North American grasslands. It is distinguished by the diagnostic crenulate (scalloped) brown stripe on each tegmen. The species is a specialist feeder on blue grama grass and reaches greatest abundance in shortgrass and desert prairies. Though occasionally present in outbreak populations, its small size and typically low densities limit its economic impact.
Cratypedes
Pronotal range grasshopper
Cratypedes is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Scudder in 1876. The genus contains at least two described species: C. lateritius (Nevada red-winged grasshopper) and C. neglectus (Pronotal range grasshopper). These grasshoppers are associated with rangeland habitats in western North America, particularly in sagebrush ecosystems. Some species appear to have a two-year life cycle.
Cyrtacanthacridinae
Bird Grasshoppers, bird locusts, criquets voyageurs, Knarrschrecken
Cyrtacanthacridinae is a subfamily of short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae) commonly known as bird grasshoppers or bird locusts. The subfamily includes some of the world's most economically important locust species, including the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and the red locust (Nomadacris septemfasciata), which undergo density-dependent phase polyphenism. Members are characterized by a prominent peg or tubercle between the forelegs. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions.
Dactylotini
Dactylotini is a tribe of grasshoppers within the subfamily Melanoplinae (family Acrididae). Members are primarily distributed in Mexico and Central America. The tribe was found to be paraphyletic in molecular phylogenetic studies due to the placement of Hesperotettix. The genus Liladownsia, described in 2014 from Oaxaca, Mexico, represents one of the more recently described members of this group.
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
Dendrotettix is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing at least three described species distributed in the southeastern United States. Species include the scrub pine grasshopper (D. australis), post oak grasshopper (D. quercus), and Carolina oak grasshopper (D. zimmermanni). Cytogenetic studies have identified chromosome numbers of 2n=23 (male) and 2n=24 (female) with an XO sex determination system, distinguishing this genus from related taxa such as Boonacris and Appalachia.
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 zimmermanni
Carolina Oak Grasshopper
Dendrotettix zimmermanni, commonly known as the Carolina oak grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with records indicating presence in the southeastern United States. As a member of the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini, it belongs to a group of grasshoppers often associated with woody vegetation.
Derotmema
band-winged grasshoppers
Derotmema is a genus of band-winged grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Oedipodinae, tribe Psinidiini. The genus contains approximately five described species, including the well-known Hayden's grasshopper (D. haydeni). These grasshoppers are characterized by their banded wings, a defining trait of the Oedipodinae subfamily. Species in this genus occur in western North America, with records from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Nevada, California, and northeastern Mexico.
Derotmema haydenii
Hayden's grasshopper
Derotmema haydenii is a medium-sized band-winged grasshopper native to western North America. It inhabits disturbed prairie habitats with high percentages of bare ground, including prairie dog towns, roadsides, and vacant lots. The species is notable for its late hatching phenology and distinctive nymphal coloration. Adults are active from late July through September and feed primarily on forbs rather than grasses.