Differential GrasshopperMelanoplus differentialis
About this species
- Length
- 1.6 in
- Wingspan
- 3 in
From our Collectors' field notes
Diet
Voracious eaters! They devour almost any green vegetation, including tall summer grasses, garden leaves, and sunflowers.
Behavior
They rest atop tall stalks in the early morning to absorb sunlight, heating their muscles for a day of jumping.
Locomotion
Thick hind legs allow them to launch 20 times their body length. Equivalent to a human leaping 110 feet!
Growth
Spring nymphs (young grasshoppers) hatch as miniature, wingless adults. They molt multiple times over the summer before developing full wings.
Field Marks
Easily identified by the distinctive, black "V" pattern running down the thighs of their powerful back legs. Kind of looks like they're wearing striped pants.