The American Grasshopper may be known as bird grasshopper, ranges from the Eastern United States to the Great Plains to Mexico. Closely related to the Desert Locust, however it doesn’t begin a swarming phase like it. The American Grasshopper is common in Florida, greatly in dry habitats, but does not serve as an economic pest unless in great numbers. When in great numbers, they will devastate land and destroy crops.

Like most acridids, the American Grasshopper lays its eggs in soil. The amount of eggs each grasshopper lays is around 85. In Florida, there are two generations a year. One during the spring and the other in late summer. After a month the eggs hatch into the new nymphs.  When the baby grasshoppers hatch, they will do the more feeding damage then the adults.                  

Grasshoppers have gas antenna that are generally shorter than their body and short ovipositors. They also have pinchers or mandibles that cut and tear off food. To make noise, they rub their hind femurs (legs) to their forewings or abdomen.

They are also often easily confused with locusts or crickets, but differ in many aspects. For example the American Grasshopper is different such as the number of segments in their antennae and structure of the ovipositor, as well as the sound they make.

The coloring of different species of grasshopper is often dependent on environment. Many species are adapted to green fields and forests, and blend in well there to avoid predators. Others have adapted to drier, sandy environments and blend in well with the colors of dry dirt and sand.

Author: Seth S.
Published: 03/13

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Photo Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Bird_Grasshopper.jpg