# Bandwing Grasshoppers (*oedipodinae*) Bandwing Grasshoppers are colorful insects that can leap high into the air! They have special wings that make a buzzing sound when they fly, which can be very exciting to hear. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** Fields, meadows, and grasslands. - **Also known as:** Band-winged Grasshopper, Buzzing Grasshopper, Flying Grasshopper ![Bandwing Grasshoppers](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Austroicetes_vulgaris.jpg&width=800) Photo: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Austroicetes_vulgaris.jpg) ## Appearance The Bandwing Grasshopper has a robust body, typically gray or brown, that camouflages it perfectly on the ground. Its most striking feature is its brightly colored hindwings, often yellow, orange, or red with a distinct black band, which are only visible when it flies. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae ## Interesting facts - The vibrant colors on their wings disappear instantly when they land, helping them hide again! - Their amazing camouflage makes them nearly invisible until they suddenly leap or fly away! - These grasshoppers can produce a dry crackling sound by rubbing their hind wings together mid-flight! - When they fly, some species flash brilliant red, yellow, or blue hidden wings! ## Special abilities - **Flashy Escape:** Bandwing Grasshoppers can suddenly reveal brightly colored hindwings because it startles predators, giving them a chance to escape. - **Clicking Flight:** Bandwing Grasshoppers can make a crackling sound during flight that helps them warn other grasshoppers or confuse predators. - **Perfect Disguise:** Bandwing Grasshoppers have earth-toned forewings that help them blend seamlessly with rocks and dry vegetation when at rest. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 40-100 mm - **Size:** 20-50 mm - **Lifespan:** 60-120 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These grasshoppers munch on various plants, helping to keep ecosystems healthy! - **Primary Foods:** grasses, clover, dandelions, ragweed - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Kestrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-kestrel) (*Falco sparverius*) — A small hawk that preys on insects like grasshoppers. - **Eaten by:** [European Mantis](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-mantis) (*Mantis religiosa*) — An ambush predator that catches insects, including grasshoppers. - **Eats:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — A common grass that serves as a food source for these herbivores. - **Eats:** [Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — A common weed frequently consumed by grasshoppers. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Bandwing Grasshoppers? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Bandwing Grasshoppers's wingspan? 40-100 mm ### How big is Bandwing Grasshoppers? 20-50 mm ### How long does Bandwing Grasshoppers live? 60-120 days ### How fast can Bandwing Grasshoppers fly? 15 km/h ### What does Bandwing Grasshoppers eat? These grasshoppers munch on various plants, helping to keep ecosystems healthy! ### Where is Bandwing Grasshoppers usually found? Fields, meadows, and grasslands. ### How does Bandwing Grasshoppers hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Levelle W. Dupell Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/levelle-w-dupell-park) — Virginia, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Bandwing Grasshoppers: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bandwing-grasshoppers)