Melanoplinae
Guides
Floritettix floridana
Floritettix floridana is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2014. It belongs to the genus Floritettix, which is part of the Melanoplinae subfamily. The species is known from Florida, though detailed information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Floritettix hubbelli
Floritettix hubbelli is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. It was described by Hebard in 1936 and is endemic to Florida. The genus Floritettix is part of the Melanoplini tribe, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations.
Floritettix osceola
Floritettix osceola is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2014. It belongs to the genus Floritettix, a North American group of spur-throated grasshoppers in the subfamily Melanoplinae. The species is known from a small number of observations in Florida, suggesting it may be uncommon or have a restricted range. Like other melanopline grasshoppers, it is likely associated with grassland or open habitat vegetation.
Floritettix saturiba
Floritettix saturiba is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The species is known from Florida, with limited observational records available.
Hebardacris
Mount Whitney grasshopper (for H. albida)
Hebardacris is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn in 1952. The genus contains at least three described species: H. albida (Mount Whitney grasshopper), H. excelsa, and H. mono. These species are native to western North America, with records concentrated in California. The genus belongs to the tribe Podismini within the subfamily Melanoplinae.
Hebardacris albida
Mount Whitney grasshopper
Hebardacris albida, known as the Mount Whitney grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Hebard in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini. The specific epithet "albida" refers to its whitish coloration.
Hebardacris excelsa
Hebardacris excelsa is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Rehn in 1907. It is placed in the tribe Podismini within the subfamily Melanoplinae. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from California.
Hebardacris mono
Hebardacris mono is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Rehn in 1964. It is known from North America, with confirmed distribution records from California. As a member of the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Podismini, it belongs to a group of grasshoppers commonly associated with western North American habitats.
Hesperotettix
spur-throated grasshoppers
Hesperotettix is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing approximately nine described species. The genus is characterized by members that feed primarily on forbs, particularly those in the Asteraceae family, with some species showing strong host plant specialization. Species such as H. viridis (snakeweed grasshopper) and H. speciosus (showy grasshopper) are relatively well-studied and demonstrate the genus's tendency toward oligophagy.
Hesperotettix curtipennis
Hesperotettix curtipennis is a spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, first described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a group known for their economic significance as agricultural pests. The species has been documented in North America, with confirmed records from Colorado. Information regarding its biology, ecology, and specific identification features remains limited in published literature.
Hesperotettix floridensis
Florida purple-striped grasshopper, Florida purple-striped locust
Hesperotettix floridensis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is endemic to Florida and belongs to the genus Hesperotettix, which includes several North American grasshopper species. The species was described by Morse in 1901. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only nine records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Hesperotettix osceola
Osceola Grasshopper
Hesperotettix osceola, commonly known as the Osceola grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is a North American species with documented presence in Florida. As a member of the genus Hesperotettix, it belongs to a group of grasshoppers that includes other species with specialized feeding habits on composite family plants. The species was described by Hebard in 1918.
Hesperotettix viridis
snakeweed grasshopper, meadow purple-striped grasshopper, green-streak grasshopper
Hesperotettix viridis is a medium-sized, spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to North America. It is an oligophagous species specialized on composite plants (Asteraceae), particularly snakeweeds (Gutierrezia spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and rabbitbrushes. Populations show host-associated genetic differentiation, with distinct lineages adapted to different host plants. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for invasive snakeweeds. Four subspecies are recognized, varying in wing length and geographic distribution.
Hesperotettix viridis pratensis
Purple-striped Grasshopper
A subspecies of the snakeweed grasshopper, Hesperotettix viridis pratensis is a spurthroated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It occurs in grasslands and prairie habitats where its host plants grow. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences. It is one of several subspecies within the H. viridis complex.
Hesperotettix viridis viridis
Snakeweed Grasshopper
Hesperotettix viridis viridis, the Snakeweed Grasshopper, is a medium-sized, oligophagous grasshopper endemic to North America that feeds primarily on composite plants (Asteraceae) in the tribe Astereae. It is notable for its host plant-associated genetic differentiation, with populations on different host plants showing significant genetic structuring. The subspecies has long wings capable of dispersal and exhibits specialized foraging behavior responsive to local food depletion.
grasshopperMelanoplinaespecialist-herbivorehost-associated-differentiationbiological-controlrangelandAsteraceaeoligophagousphytophilousecological-speciationNorth-AmericaWyomingColoradoNew-MexicoKansassnakeweedGutierreziaSolidagoAFLPpopulation-geneticsforaging-behaviordispersalsubspecies-viridis-viridisHypsalonia merga
Hypsalonia merga is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Gurney and Buxton in 1963. The species is known from California and is part of the North American grasshopper fauna.
Hypsalonia rentzi
Hypsalonia rentzi is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Gurney & Eades in 1961. It belongs to the tribe Podismini within the subfamily Melanoplinae. The species is known from limited occurrence records in western North America.
Hypsalonia tioga
Hypsalonia tioga is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Gurney and Eades in 1961. The species is known from California and is part of the North American grasshopper fauna. It belongs to the genus Hypsalonia, which is placed within the tribe Podismini of the subfamily Melanoplinae.
Karokia
Karokia is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, established by Rehn in 1964. The genus contains at least two described species: Karokia blanci and Karokia memorialis. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers due to a distinctive projection on the prosternum.
Karokia memorialis
Karokia memorialis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Gurney and Buxton in 1968. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, one of the most diverse groups of North American grasshoppers. The species has been documented in California and is considered part of the North American grasshopper fauna.
Melanoplus
North American Spur-throated Grasshoppers
Melanoplus is a large genus of grasshoppers native to North America, containing some of the continent's most typical large grasshoppers and migratory locusts. The genus includes over 250 species, with new species frequently described from isolated areas where speciation by hybridization occurs. Several species are significant agricultural pests, most notably the extinct Rocky Mountain locust (M. spretus), which was the most destructive insect pest of the 19th-century Great Plains before its extinction in 1902. Members range from intricately patterned and colorful to drab in appearance, with body lengths varying from small to nearly 5 cm in the largest species.
Melanoplus alabamae
Alabama Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus alabamae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in North America, with records from Alabama. The species was described by Hebard in 1920. Like other members of the subfamily Melanoplinae, it possesses a peg-like process projecting from beneath the head.
Melanoplus alpinus
Alpine grasshopper, Alpine spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus alpinus is a medium-sized spur-throated grasshopper inhabiting high-elevation meadows and parklands of western North America. It is distinguished by long wings, a dark dorsal stripe on the hind femur often with a wedge-shaped mark, and a bifurcate male cercus with a sharply pointed ventral arm. The species exhibits an extended egg diapause of two to three years and is considered a minor pest with potential to compete with livestock forage during droughts.
Melanoplus aridus
arid lands spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus aridus, commonly known as the arid lands spur-throat grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with documented presence in Arizona and other arid regions. The species has been observed feeding on Flourensia cernua leaves, indicating some degree of host plant specificity. As a member of the genus Melanoplus, it shares the characteristic spur-throat morphology with other species in this diverse grasshopper group.
Melanoplus arizonae
Arizona Spur-Throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus arizonae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Scudder in 1878. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species in North America. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Melanoplus bernardinae
Melanoplus bernardinae is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1920. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically and ecologically significant grasshopper species in North America. The species is documented from California and is part of the western North American grasshopper fauna. Like other Melanoplus species, it is expected to exhibit typical grasshopper life history with egg diapause and nymphal development through multiple instars, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Melanoplus bonita
Melanoplus bonita is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2012. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species in North America. The species is known from Florida based on distribution records. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Melanoplus bowditchi
Sagebrush Grasshopper
Melanoplus bowditchi, commonly known as the sagebrush grasshopper, is a medium-sized spurthroated grasshopper in the subfamily Melanoplinae. It is widely distributed across western North American grasslands where sagebrush is present. The species exhibits strong host plant specificity, feeding almost exclusively on sagebrush species, particularly silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana) and sand sagebrush (A. filifolia). Despite its potential to damage valuable forage plants, populations remain at low densities and significant economic impact has not been documented.
Melanoplus calidus
Sacramento Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus calidus, the Sacramento short-wing grasshopper, is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Scudder in 1899. The species belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species in North America. Available records indicate it is present in New Mexico and North America generally, though detailed biological information appears limited in published literature.
Melanoplus cinereus cinereus
Melanoplus cinereus cinereus is a subspecies of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is documented from California and Washington in western North America. The species is characterized by secretive behavior, hiding in sagebrush vegetation, which makes it underrepresented in standard sweep-net surveys.
Melanoplus cinereus cyanipes
Melanoplus cinereus cyanipes is a subspecies of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It occurs in the western United States, with records from California and Washington. The subspecies was described by Scudder in 1897 and is distinguished from other M. cinereus populations by leg coloration and geographic isolation. It is a member of the diverse Melanoplus genus, which contains over 200 North American species.
Melanoplus complanatipes
Western Sagebrush Grasshopper
A spur-throated grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the western sagebrush grasshopper. The species comprises two recognized subspecies and occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Central America.
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 devius
Devious Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus devius, the devious short-wing grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Morse in 1904. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with records from Virginia and broader presence indicated across the continent. As a member of the large genus Melanoplus, it shares the characteristic spur-throated morphology of its subfamily Melanoplinae.
Melanoplus 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 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 fasciatus
Huckleberry Spur-throat Grasshopper, Huckleberry Grasshopper, Huckleberry Locust
Melanoplus fasciatus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is commonly known as the huckleberry spur-throat grasshopper or huckleberry locust. The species is found in North America, with records from eastern Canada, the northeastern United States, and scattered western localities including Colorado and Arkansas.
Melanoplus flabellatus
Dallas short-wing grasshopper
Melanoplus flabellatus, commonly known as the Dallas short-wing grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species was described by Scudder in 1878. It is distributed in North America, with records from Texas.
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 frigidus
Nordic mountain grasshopper, narrow-winged locust, High Mountain Grasshopper
Melanoplus frigidus is an alpine grasshopper species in the family Acrididae, native to northern Europe and Asia. It is a true alpine specialist restricted to high-elevation habitats in the Scandes and similar mountain systems. Research has focused on its sensitivity to temperature variation as a potential indicator of climate change effects on alpine ecosystems.
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 indicifer
spinecercus short-wing grasshopper, east coast scrub grasshopper
Melanoplus indicifer is a species of spur-throated grasshopper endemic to a restricted range in Florida. It inhabits scrub habitats on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge in Palm Beach County. The species is characterized by short wings, a trait reflected in one of its common names. Its limited distribution makes it vulnerable to habitat loss from development and fire suppression.
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 punctulatus
pine tree spur-throat grasshopper, grizzly spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus punctulatus is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, commonly known as the pine tree spur-throat grasshopper or grizzly spur-throat grasshopper. The species is recognized for its arboreal habits, distinguishing it from many ground-dwelling grasshopper relatives. It occurs across North America with documented populations in the northeastern United States, Great Lakes region, and western Nebraska. Three subspecies are recognized: M. p. arboreus, M. p. griseus, and M. p. punctulatus.
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 rotundipennis
Round-winged Grasshopper, round-winged spur-throat grasshopper, round-winged locust
Melanoplus rotundipennis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, known by the common name round-winged grasshopper. It is characterized by its rounded wing shape, a distinctive trait among Melanoplus species. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Florida and broader North American distribution. As a member of the subfamily Melanoplinae, it possesses the diagnostic spur on the ventral surface of the pronotum typical of this group.
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.