Melanoplinae
Guides
Melanoplus saltator
Willamette short-wing grasshopper, leaping spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus saltator is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to the Melanoplus saltator species group, a complex of related species. The species is known from North America, with documented records from Oregon. Common names include the Willamette short-wing grasshopper and leaping spur-throat grasshopper.
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 splendidus
juniper grasshopper, splendid grasshopper
Melanoplus splendidus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1920. It is commonly known as the juniper grasshopper or splendid grasshopper. The species is distributed in North America, with confirmed records from New Mexico. As a member of the Melanoplinae subfamily, it shares the characteristic spur on the prosternum typical of this group.
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.
Melanoplus texanus
Texas spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus texanus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to North America. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species. The species was first described by Scudder in 1878.
Melanoplus viridipes group
The Melanoplus viridipes-species-group is a species group within the genus Melanoplus (subfamily Melanoplinae), a diverse genus of spur-throated grasshoppers found in North America. Species groups in Melanoplus represent informal taxonomic aggregations of morphologically similar species that share diagnostic characteristics. Members of this group are characterized by green legs (viridipes = "green-footed"), a trait that distinguishes them from related species groups within the genus. The group occurs within the western and central United States, with species typically inhabiting grassland ecosystems. Like other Melanoplus species, members are medium-sized grasshoppers with a distinct conical spur between the front legs, perpendicular facial orientation, and strong flight capabilities.
Melanoplus warneri
Warner's spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus warneri, commonly known as Warner's spur-throat grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was described by Little in 1929. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically important grasshopper species in North America. Available records indicate it occurs in Texas and is present broadly across North America.
Melanoplus yarrowii
Yarrow's grasshopper, Yarrow's spur-throat grasshopper
Melanoplus yarrowii is a spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to western North America. The species was described by Thomas in 1875, originally as Caloptenus yarrowii. It belongs to the large genus Melanoplus, which contains many economically significant grasshopper species. Available sources confirm its presence in Colorado and California, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the provided material.
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.
Netrosoma fusiformis
Fusiform camel cricket
Netrosoma fusiformis is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The species was described by Scudder in 1897. It is associated with aridland scrub habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly in the Big Bend region of Texas. The species has been observed sheltering beneath leaves of sotol (Dasylirion) during extreme midday heat alongside other flightless desert grasshoppers.
Netrosoma nigropleura
Black-striped Desert Grasshopper
Netrosoma nigropleura is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to a group of flightless desert grasshoppers found in aridland scrub habitats. The species has been documented in northeastern Mexico, though detailed biological studies remain limited. It shares habitat and behavioral traits with other Netrosoma species, including diurnal shelter-seeking behavior on desert plants during extreme heat.
Nisquallia
Olympic Grasshoppers
Nisquallia is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, containing at least one described species, N. olympica. The genus was established by Rehn in 1952 and is endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. These grasshoppers belong to the diverse subfamily Melanoplinae, which includes many North American species.
Oedaleonotus
Oedaleonotus is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed primarily in western North America. The best-known species, Oedaleonotus enigma (valley grasshopper), is a significant rangeland pest known for its migratory behavior and capacity to reach outbreak densities. Members of this genus are characterized by variable wing development, with some species having fully functional long wings and others having reduced or short wings.
Oedaleonotus enigma
Valley Grasshopper
Oedaleonotus enigma, the valley grasshopper, is a large, colorful spur-throated grasshopper native to western North America. It is a significant rangeland pest capable of reaching outbreak densities exceeding 20 adults per square yard. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with both short-winged (brachypterous) and long-winged (macropterous) forms occurring in populations. It is notable for early spring hatching and a relatively long nymphal period of 42-50 days due to cool temperatures and six instars rather than the typical five.
Oedaleonotus orientis
Oedaleonotus orientis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Hebard in 1920. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a group characterized by the presence of a ventral spur on the throat. The species is found in North America, with records from Nevada. Like other members of the genus Oedaleonotus, it is a rangeland species associated with semiarid habitats.
Oedaleonotus phryneicus
Oedaleonotus phryneicus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1919. It is found in North America, primarily in California. As a member of the genus Oedaleonotus, it shares characteristics with other species in this group, though specific ecological details are limited in available sources.
Oedaleonotus pinctus
Oedaleonotus pinctus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. It is one of approximately nine species in the genus Oedaleonotus, a group primarily distributed in California and the western United States. The genus is characterized by short tegmina that are typically shorter than the pronotum and often narrow and widely separated. O. pinctus was described by Scudder in 1899 and is currently accepted as a valid species.
Oedaleonotus tenuipennis
Oedaleonotus tenuipennis is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It is native to western North America, primarily California. The species is distinguished from congeners by its narrow, slender tegmina (forewings) that are shorter than the pronotum. Seven other species in the genus Oedaleonotus share this characteristic short-winged morphology, though O. tenuipennis is differentiated by specific structural details of the tegmina.
Oedomerus
Oedomerus is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae, and tribe Conalcaeini. The genus was established by Bruner in 1908 and is currently accepted as valid. It is endemic to northwestern Mexico, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. The genus contains relatively few described species and has received limited taxonomic study compared to more widespread melanopline genera.
Oedomerus corallipes
Redshanked Grasshopper
Oedomerus corallipes is a large grasshopper species found in western North America. It was formerly classified under the genus Xanthippus but has been reclassified to Oedomerus based on modern taxonomic revisions. The species exhibits geographic variation in its life cycle, with northern populations requiring two years to develop while southern populations complete their cycle in one year. Adults are present in spring and are known for their conspicuous flight displays accompanied by loud crepitation.
Paraidemona behrstocki
Paraidemona behrstocki is a species of band-winged grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Otte in 2019. It belongs to the genus Paraidemona, which is known to serve as prey for parasitoid wasps in the genus Prionyx. The species is part of the Melanoplinae subfamily, a diverse group of grasshoppers primarily found in North America.
Paraidemona fratercula
Paraidemona fratercula is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It was originally described as Trimerotropis fratercula by McNeill before being transferred to Paraidemona. The species has been documented in eastern Wyoming and Texas, with records indicating a preference for open pine savannahs and mountain foothill habitats. It is considered uncommon and not an economic pest.
Paraidemona latifurcula
Paraidemona latifurcula is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Hebard in 1918. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Dactylotini. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Texas. It has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Paraidemona nuttingi
Paraidemona nuttingi is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described in 1989. It is known from North America, with distribution records from Texas. The species has been documented as prey for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Paraidemona olsoni
Paraidemona olsoni is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Yin & Smith in 1989. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae and tribe Dactylotini. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from Texas. It has been documented as prey for the parasitoid wasp Prionyx thomae.
Paratylotropidia
Beutenmueller's grasshopper (P. beutenmuelleri)
Paratylotropidia is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae, tribe Dactylotini. The genus contains at least three described species: P. beutenmuelleri, P. brunneri, and P. morsei. Members of this genus possess the characteristic spur-throat structure typical of their tribe. P. brunneri has been the subject of cytological study due to its unusual multiple chromosome system, with 19 chromosomes in diploid male cells including four V-shaped multiples.
Paratylotropidia brunneri
Brunner's grasshopper
Paratylotropidia brunneri is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Scudder in 1897. The species has been the subject of cytogenetic study due to its unusual chromosome structure, with 19 chromosomes in diploid male cells including four V-shaped multiples. It is found in North America, primarily in the north-central United States.
Phaedrotettix accola
spur-throated grasshopper
Phaedrotettix accola is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, first described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of grasshoppers commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers due to a distinctive peg or spine on the prosternum. The species has been documented in North America with specific records from Texas.
Phaedrotettix concinnus
Phaedrotettix concinnus is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. It belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of North American grasshoppers. The genus Phaedrotettix is part of the tribe Melanoplini. Available records indicate occurrence in Texas, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Phaedrotettix dumicola
Phaedrotettix dumicola is a species of spur-throated grasshopper belonging to the family Acrididae. It is native to North America. As a member of the subfamily Melanoplinae, it shares characteristics with other spur-throated grasshoppers, including a distinctive projection on the prosternum.
Phaedrotettix palmeri
Phaedrotettix palmeri is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described by Scudder in 1897. The species belongs to the subfamily Melanoplinae, a diverse group of grasshoppers commonly known as spur-throated grasshoppers due to the presence of a ventral projection on the pronotum. Available records indicate this species occurs in northeastern Mexico, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Phaulotettix
Phaulotettix is a genus of flightless grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains approximately 15 described species distributed in the Nearctic region. These grasshoppers are associated with arid and semi-arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They have been observed sheltering beneath leaves during extreme heat.
Phaulotettix ablusus
Phaulotettix ablusus is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae, described in 2011 from Mexico. It belongs to a genus of flightless desert grasshoppers that inhabit aridland scrub environments. The species is known from northeastern Mexico and shares behavioral traits with related taxa, including sheltering from extreme heat beneath vegetation.
Philocleon
Philocleon is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. It was established by Scudder in 1897 and is endemic to Mexico. The genus comprises short-horned grasshoppers with distributions concentrated in central, northeastern, and southwestern regions of the country.
Phoetaliotes
Large-headed Grasshoppers
Phoetaliotes is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Melanoplinae. The genus contains at least one described species, P. nebrascensis, commonly known as the Large-headed Grasshopper. GBIF records indicate distribution in California, Massachusetts, Nebraska, and parts of Mexico. The genus is characterized by membership in the spur-throated grasshopper group, which typically possess a ventral spine or projection on the prosternum.
Phoetaliotes nebrascensis
large-headed grasshopper, largeheaded grasshopper, red-nosed grasshopper, big head, large-headed locust
Phoetaliotes nebrascensis is a medium-sized, slim spur-throated grasshopper distinguished by its disproportionately large head relative to body size. It is a dominant species in North American tallgrass prairie and common in lush patches of mixedgrass prairie. The species exhibits wing dimorphism: most adults have short, non-functional wings, while a small percentage possess long wings enabling flight. It feeds almost exclusively on grasses, an unusual trait among spur-throated grasshoppers.
Poecilotettix
Poecilotettix is a genus of spur-throated grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, tribe Dactylotini. The genus contains two described species: Poecilotettix pantherinus (panther-spotted grasshopper) and Poecilotettix sanguineus (red-lined grasshopper). Members of this genus are distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Poecilotettix sanguineus
Red-lined Grasshopper
Poecilotettix sanguineus, commonly known as the red-lined grasshopper, is a species of spur-throated grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is native to North America, with documented occurrences in Arizona and California. The species was described by Scudder in 1897 and belongs to the tribe Dactylotini within the subfamily Melanoplinae.