Grasshopper
Guides
Melanoplus confusus
Pasture Spur-throat Grasshopper, Pasture Grasshopper, Little Pasture Locust
Melanoplus confusus, commonly known as the Pasture Spur-throat Grasshopper, is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the subfamily Melanoplinae. It is found in North America, with records from the northeastern and central United States. The species inhabits grassland environments, particularly pastures, as suggested by its common names. It was described by Scudder in 1897.
Melanoplus davisi
Melanoplus davisi is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1918 from the southeastern United States. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous economically and ecologically significant grasshopper species. The species appears to be relatively poorly documented in the primary grasshopper literature of the western United States, suggesting it may be of limited distribution or abundance compared to more widespread Melanoplus species.
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hopperOrangelegged-GrasshopperFinned-GrasshopperKiowa-GrasshopperPallidwinged-GrasshopperRedshanked-GrasshopperLubber-GrasshopperMormon-CricketBarber-pole-grasshopperBarren-land-grasshopperBlack-winged-grasshopperBig-headBig-headed-grasshopperBlack-males-grasshopperBoopeeBroad-banded-grasshopperBrown-spotted-range-grasshopperCrackling-forest-grasshopperCrested-keel-grasshopperDust-grasshopperElliott-grasshopperField-cricketFour-spotted-grasshopperFour-spotted-tree-cricketFusiform-camel-cricketGarden-grasshopperGreat-crested-grasshopperGreat-plains-camel-cricketGreen-fool-grasshopperGreen-streak-grasshopperHuckleberry-spur-throat-grasshopperHomesteaderKiowa-range-grasshopperLarge-headed-locustLesser-migratory-grasshopperLittle-pasture-spur-throated-grasshopperLong-winged-locustLong-winged-plains-grasshopperMarsh-meadow-locustMcNeill-campestral-grasshopperMermiria-grasshopperNarrow-winged-spur-throated-grasshopperNorthern-green-striped-locustNorthwestern-red-winged-locustP-quad-grasshopperPackard's-grasshopperPallid-winged-grasshopperPard-grasshopperPlatte-range-grasshopperPrairie-tree-cricketPictured-grasshopperPlains-lubberPronotal-range-grasshopperRed-legged-grasshopperRed-nosed-grasshopperRed-shanksRobust-camel-cricketRufous-grasshopperSage-grasshopperSand-grasshopperSay's-grasshopperSlant-faced-grasshopperSnowy-tree-cricketSpeckled-rangeland-grasshopperSpotted-bird-grasshopperSpotted-wing-grasshopperSprinkled-locustStriped-slant-faced-grasshopperThistle-grasshopperThree-banded-range-grasshopperTiny-spur-throated-grasshopperTwo-striped-grasshopperUtah-camel-cricketVelvet-striped-grasshopperWarrior-grasshopperWestern-tree-cricketWhite-cross-grasshopperWhite-whiskers-grasshopperWrangler-grasshopperWrinkled-grasshopperWyoming-toothpick-grasshopperYellowish-spur-throat-grasshoppertumbulliobesalateritiuscostaliscinereushuroniindigensmarshalliregalisapicultatanitensshastanusbarnumidiversellusverruculatasuffusarugglesinspbrunneaMelanoplus digitifer
Long-toed Grasshopper
Melanoplus digitifer is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1936. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically important grasshopper species in North America. The species is known from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Melanoplus discolor
contrasting spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus discolor, known as the contrasting spur-throat grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America and has been documented in Colorado, Texas, and northeastern Mexico. The species belongs to the Melanoplus discolor species group, which includes seven newly described flightless grasshopper species from central Texas, highlighting the ecological uniqueness of the Edwards Plateau region.
Melanoplus dodgei group
The Melanoplus dodgei-species-group is a taxonomic grouping within the genus Melanoplus (spurthroated grasshoppers). Species groups in Melanoplus represent clusters of morphologically similar species that share diagnostic characteristics, particularly in male genitalia and pronotal structure. The group is part of the diverse western North American Melanoplus fauna documented in regional field guides and distribution atlases. Individual species within this group are recorded from Wyoming and Colorado, with M. dodgei itself being a documented western species.
Melanoplus eumera
Canyon Grasshopper
Melanoplus eumera, commonly known as the canyon grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Hebard in 1920. The species belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species in North America. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Texas and other regions.
Melanoplus femurrubrum
Red-legged Grasshopper, Garden grasshopper
Melanoplus femurrubrum, the red-legged grasshopper, is a medium-sized, widely distributed grasshopper native to North America. It ranges across most of Canada, the United States, and into central Mexico, making it one of the most common and broadly distributed grasshopper species on the continent. The species exhibits developmental polymorphism, allowing populations to adapt to variable environmental conditions and seasonal timing. It is frequently used as a model organism in scientific research due to its abundance and behavioral sensitivity to climate variation.
Melanoplus flavidus elongatus
Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus flavidus elongatus is a subspecies of the yellowish spur-throat grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is part of the diverse Melanoplus genus, which contains numerous grasshopper species across North America. The nominate subspecies M. flavidus flavidus occurs in Colorado and surrounding regions. This subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species, though specific distinguishing characteristics for the subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Melanoplus flavidus flavidus
Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus flavidus flavidus is a subspecies of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The common name "Yellowish spur-throat grasshopper" reflects its characteristic coloration. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous economically significant grasshopper species in western North America. This subspecies was described by Scudder in 1878 and is currently considered a synonym in modern taxonomic databases.
Melanoplus franciscanus
San Francisco short-wing grasshopper
Melanoplus franciscanus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is known from a restricted geographic range in the American Southwest, specifically in the Guadalupe Mountains of Texas, the San Mateo Mountains of New Mexico, and the San Francisco Peaks of Arizona. The species was described by Scudder in 1899 and is characterized by short wings, as indicated by its common name.
Melanoplus furcatus
Larger Fork-tail Grasshopper, Fork-tailed Locust
Melanoplus furcatus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the larger fork-tail grasshopper or fork-tailed locust. The species was first described by Scudder in 1897 and is classified within the genus Melanoplus, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers.
Melanoplus glaucipes
Glaucus-legged Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus glaucipes is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the subfamily Melanoplinae, commonly known as the glaucus-legged spur-throat grasshopper. The species was described by Scudder in 1875. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The specific epithet glaucipes refers to the bluish-gray coloration of the legs.
Melanoplus gracilipes
Slender-legged Grasshopper
Melanoplus gracilipes is a North American spur-throated grasshopper described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to the diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous grasshopper species across the continent. The species epithet 'gracilipes' refers to its slender-legged appearance.
Melanoplus gracilis
Graceful Grasshopper, Graceful Spur-throat Grasshopper, Graceful Narrow-winged Locust
Melanoplus gracilis is a North American spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is commonly known as the graceful grasshopper, with alternative names including graceful spur-throat grasshopper and graceful narrow-winged locust. The species was first described by Bruner in 1876.
Melanoplus gurneyi
Gurney's short-wing grasshopper, Gurney's spurthroat grasshopper
Melanoplus gurneyi is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Strohecker in 1960. It is a member of the large and diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The species is characterized by reduced wing development, reflected in its common name. It has been documented in Florida and is considered part of the North American grasshopper fauna.
Melanoplus immunis
immunis spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus immunis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1899. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The species is recorded from Oregon and is part of the broader North American fauna of short-horned grasshoppers.
Melanoplus kennicottii
Kennicott's Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus kennicottii is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1878. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous North American grasshopper species. The species is recorded from Colorado and Tennessee based on distribution data. Like other Melanoplus species, it is expected to inhabit grassland and meadow environments, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Melanoplus mirus
Weldon short-wing grasshopper
Melanoplus mirus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to North America, with confirmed records from North Carolina. The species is characterized by reduced wing development, as indicated by its common name. It was described by Rehn and Hebard in 1916.
Melanoplus montanus species group
The Melanoplus montanus species group comprises a complex of closely related short-horned grasshoppers within the genus Melanoplus, characterized by montane and subalpine distributions across western North America. These species share morphological similarities that have historically complicated taxonomic boundaries, with members often distinguished by subtle differences in male genitalia and subtle coloration patterns. The group includes multiple named species that occupy overlapping elevational ranges and share ecological preferences for cooler, higher-elevation habitats.
Melanoplus oklahomae
Oklahoma spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus oklahomae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper described by Hebard in 1937. It belongs to the diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The species is endemic to Oklahoma and surrounding regions in North America. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic spur on the prosternum that gives the group its common name.
Melanoplus oregonensis
Oregon Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus oregonensis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is known from a limited number of observations and records, with confirmed presence in Oregon and Wyoming. The species exhibits the short-winged morphology characteristic of its common name. Two subspecies are recognized: M. o. oregonensis and M. o. triangularis.
Melanoplus ottei
Melanoplus ottei is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hill in 2015. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous North American grasshopper species. The species is known from Texas based on available distribution records. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Melanoplus packardii
Packard's grasshopper
Melanoplus packardii, commonly called Packard's grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across North America, with records from Oregon to Texas and north to Saskatchewan. Like other members of the genus Melanoplus, it is a ground-dwelling grasshopper associated with grassland habitats.
Melanoplus peninsularis
Melanoplus peninsularis is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hubbell in 1932. The specific epithet "peninsularis" refers to its restricted distribution on the Florida peninsula. It is a member of the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The species appears to be uncommon, with limited observation records.
Melanoplus pinaleno
Pinaleno Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus pinaleno is a species of spur-throated grasshopper described by Hebard in 1937. It is a member of the diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The species is known from a small number of observations and appears to have a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States.
Melanoplus plebejus
Plebeian Short-wing Grasshopper, Plebeian Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus plebejus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the plebeian short-wing grasshopper or plebeian spur-throat grasshopper. The species belongs to a large genus of grasshoppers that are ecologically significant in western North American grasslands. Specific biological details for this species remain limited in the available literature.
Melanoplus ponderosus
ponderous spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus ponderosus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, found in North America. The species exhibits cryptic coloration adapted to its habitat. Two subspecies are recognized: M. p. ponderosus and M. p. viola. It has been documented in xeric grassland and glade habitats, particularly in the Ozark region.
Melanoplus puer
least short-wing grasshopper, Florida spur-throat grasshopper, least short-winged locust
Melanoplus puer is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the least short-wing grasshopper or Florida spur-throat grasshopper. It is a North American species with a documented presence in Florida. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species. Information specific to this species is limited compared to better-studied congeners such as M. lakinus.
Melanoplus pygmaeus
Pygmy Short-wing Grasshopper, Pygmy Sandhill Grasshopper, Pygmy Locust
Melanoplus pygmaeus is a small spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Davis in 1915. It is commonly known as the pygmy short-wing grasshopper or pygmy sandhill grasshopper. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Alabama and Florida.
Melanoplus rileyanus
Riley's short-wing grasshopper, Riley's spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus rileyanus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with records from California. The species was described by Scudder in 1897 and includes two recognized subspecies: M. r. rileyanus and M. r. varicus.
Melanoplus rugglesi
Nevada Sage Grasshopper
Melanoplus rugglesi is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper endemic to the cold desert shrublands of the western United States. The species exhibits pronounced phase polyphenism, with solitary and migratory forms differing in body size, wing length, and coloration. Named in honor of entomologist Arthur G. Ruggles, this grasshopper is notable for its extreme migratory behavior and extended outbreak dynamics, with populations persisting at high densities for multiple years.
Melanoplus rusticus-decoratus species group
The Melanoplus rusticus-decoratus species group is a taxonomic grouping within the genus Melanoplus (spur-throated grasshoppers), a diverse genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. Species in this group are characterized by specific morphological features, including obovate or distinctive wing shapes. Members such as Melanoplus rusticus (obovate-winged grasshopper) exhibit cryptic coloration adapted to rocky, lichen-covered habitats. The group is part of the larger Melanoplinae subfamily, whose members possess a diagnostic spur between the front legs and a face oriented perpendicular to the body axis. Species in this group are found in western and central North America, often associated with xeric grasslands and rocky outcrops.
Melanoplus sanguinipes
migratory grasshopper, lesser migratory grasshopper, red-legged grasshopper
Melanoplus sanguinipes is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper and one of the most economically important grasshopper pests in North America. It is widely distributed across the continent, inhabiting diverse grassland habitats from native prairies to agricultural fields and disturbed areas. The species exhibits remarkable ecological flexibility, feeding on both grasses and forbs, and displays migratory behavior at high population densities. Under favorable conditions, populations can increase exponentially and form swarms that travel hundreds of miles, causing extensive damage to crops and rangeland. The species has been extensively studied for its population ecology, host plant relationships, and integrated pest management.
Melanoplus snowii
Snow's Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus snowii is a species of short-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, endemic to North America. The species is named in honor of the collector, with the specific epithet 'snowii' reflecting this dedication. Very little detailed biological information is available for this species compared to its congeners. It belongs to a genus containing numerous economically significant grasshopper species, though M. snowii itself has not been documented as a pest.
Melanoplus spretus
Rocky Mountain Locust
Melanoplus spretus, the Rocky Mountain Locust, was a species of locust that ranged through the western United States and parts of Canada until the late 19th century. It was one of the most destructive agricultural pests in North American history, forming swarms of unprecedented size—one 1875 swarm was estimated at 198,000 square miles. The species is now extinct, last observed in the early 1900s. It is considered by some authorities to represent a gregarious, migratory phase of Melanoplus sanguinipes rather than a distinct species.
Melanoplus stegocercus
Stegocercus Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus stegocercus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Rehn & Hebard in 1916. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many North American grasshopper species. The species is characterized by short wings, as indicated by its common name.
Mermiria
mermiria grasshoppers, slant-faced grasshoppers
Mermiria is a genus of slant-faced grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, comprising at least four described species distributed across North America. These grasshoppers are characterized by their strongly slanted faces, long wings, and association with tallgrass prairie habitats. The genus includes economically significant species that feed on native and introduced grasses.
Mermiria bivittata
Two-striped Mermiria, Two-striped Slantface Grasshopper, Mermiria Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata is a large, long-winged slant-faced grasshopper of the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialist grass-feeder that reaches its highest densities in unplowed native grasslands with big bluestem, yellow indiangrass, and switchgrass. Though capable of outbreak densities and consuming more vegetation per individual than many smaller grasshoppers, it rarely becomes a significant agricultural pest due to generally low population densities and abundant forage production in its preferred habitat.
Mermiria bivittata bivittata
Twostriped Slantfaced Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata bivittata is a large, long-winged grasshopper widely distributed across North America, with its center of abundance in the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialist feeder on native grasses, reaching densities up to one adult per square yard in undisturbed habitat. Despite its potential as a pest due to high individual consumption rates, populations typically remain at low densities and rarely cause significant economic damage. The subspecies exhibits late hatching, relatively slow nymphal development, and strong flight capabilities.
Mermiria bivittata maculipennis
Twostriped Slantfaced Grasshopper
Mermiria bivittata maculipennis is a subspecies of the twostriped slantfaced grasshopper, a large, long-winged grasshopper widely distributed in North America with its center of distribution in the tallgrass prairie. It is a specialized grass-feeder inhabiting tall grass communities, particularly big bluestem, yellow indiangrass, and switchgrass. The subspecies is characterized by specific wing patterning as indicated by the epithet 'maculipennis' (spotted wings). It is a late-hatching species with relatively slow nymphal development, and while capable of reaching outbreak densities, it rarely becomes a significant economic pest due to generally low population densities in its productive grassland habitats.
Mermiria intertexta
Coastal Toothpick Grasshopper, Eastern Mermiria
Mermiria intertexta, commonly known as the Coastal Toothpick Grasshopper or Eastern Mermiria, is a slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the eastern United States. The species belongs to the genus Mermiria, which includes several closely related slant-faced grasshoppers found in North American grasslands.
Mermiria picta
lively mermiria
Mermiria picta, commonly known as the lively mermiria, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from the United States (Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois) and northeastern Mexico. The species belongs to the subfamily Gomphocerinae and is one of several species in the genus Mermiria found in western North American grasslands.
Metaleptea
clip-wing grasshoppers
Metaleptea is a genus of short-horned grasshoppers (family Acrididae) containing at least two described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The genus is characterized by specialized wing structures used in acoustic communication. Males produce three distinct sound types—copulation, rivalry, and crepitation—through stridulation of modified hindwing veins against the forewings. The best-known species, Metaleptea brevicornis, is commonly called the clip-wing grasshopper.
Metaleptea brevicornis
clipped-wing grasshopper, clipped-winged grasshopper
Metaleptea brevicornis, the clipped-wing grasshopper, is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is the type species of the genus Metaleptea, which was erected in 1893 to accommodate American species previously placed in Truxalis. The species was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1763 as Gryllus brevicornis. It inhabits wetland environments across eastern North America and is distinguished by its characteristic wing morphology.
Metator pardalinus
Pard Grasshopper, Blue-legged Grasshopper
Metator pardalinus, commonly known as the pard grasshopper or blue-legged grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It belongs to the subfamily Oedipodinae and tribe Psinidiini. The species is native to North America, with documented records from regions including Colorado and British Columbia. It is a relatively large grasshopper species that requires five instars to complete nymphal development.
Microtes occidentalis
little buzzer grasshopper
Microtes occidentalis, commonly known as the little buzzer grasshopper, is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with documented presence in California. The species is classified as vulnerable by NatureServe.
Microthylax olivacea
Microthylax olivacea is a grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, subfamily Catantopinae. The species was originally described as Campylacantha olivacea by Scudder. It is characterized by uniform green to brown coloration without bright contrasting patterns. The species is uncommon and has a restricted distribution in southeast Colorado.
Mohavacris
desert long-horned grasshopper
Mohavacris is a monotypic genus of grasshoppers in the family Tanaoceridae, containing a single described species, M. timberlakei. The genus is endemic to desert regions of California and belongs to a small family of long-horned grasshoppers adapted to arid environments. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated antennae and nocturnal habits, distinguishing them from typical short-horned grasshoppers.
Morsea piute
Piute Monkey Grasshopper
Morsea piute, commonly known as the Piute Monkey Grasshopper, is a species of monkey grasshopper in the family Eumastacidae. The species was described by Rehn & Grant in 1958. It belongs to the genus Morsea, which comprises small, slender grasshoppers often associated with arid and semi-arid habitats. The specific epithet "piute" references the Paiute people, indigenous to regions of the Great Basin where this species occurs. Like other eumastacids, it exhibits the characteristic reduced wings and jumping hind legs typical of this orthopteran group.
Netrosoma
Netrosoma is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae, first described by Scudder in 1897. Species in this genus are flightless and inhabit aridland scrub environments, particularly in desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are often found sheltering beneath vegetation during extreme heat. The genus has been documented roosting on Sotol (Dasylirion) leaves alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers such as Agroecotettix and Phaulotettix.