# Broad Green-winged Grasshopper (*Aiolopus strepens*) The Broad Green-winged Grasshopper is a lively little insect that loves to hop around in grassy areas. Its bright green wings help it blend in with the plants, making it a master of hide-and-seek! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Broad Green-winged Grasshopper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Aiolopus_strepens_male_%287973656706%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aiolopus_strepens_male_%287973656706%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Broad Green-winged Grasshopper is a medium-sized insect often found in shades of green, brown, or reddish-brown, allowing it to blend seamlessly with vegetation. It has broad, patterned wings that usually feature darker bands, distinctly visible when it flies. Its powerful hind legs are adapted for jumping. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Aiolopus ## Interesting facts - Did you know they have five eyes? Two big ones and three tiny ones! - Grasshoppers have an exoskeleton, like wearing their bones on the outside! - They breathe through tiny holes along their body, not just a mouth. - Your ears are on your head, but a grasshopper's are on its belly! ## Special abilities - **Sonic Communication:** Broad Green-winged Grasshopper can 'sing' by rubbing its legs against its wings, producing sounds that help them attract mates. - **Master of Disguise:** Broad Green-winged Grasshopper has variable body coloration (green, brown, red) that helps them perfectly camouflage in different habitats. - **Solar Energy Absorption:** Broad Green-winged Grasshopper can adjust its body angle towards the sun to warm up, which helps them be active on cooler days. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 22-60 mm - **Size:** 15-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 7 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This plant-eater munches on various grasses and leaves, helping to manage vegetation. - **Primary Foods:** grasses, clover, cereal crops - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Kentucky bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — A common food source in grassy habitats. - **Eaten by:** [Red-backed Shrike](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-backed-shrike) (*Lanius collurio*) — A favored prey item for this insectivorous bird. - **Eaten by:** [Western Green Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-green-lizard) (*Lacerta bilineata*) — A frequent meal for this agile reptile. - **Eaten by:** Common Kestrel (*Falco tinnunculus*) — Often hunted by kestrels in open fields. ## 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. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [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. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and watch where you step, as grasshoppers can be easily hurt. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Broad Green-winged Grasshopper? 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 Broad Green-winged Grasshopper's wingspan? 22-60 mm ### How big is Broad Green-winged Grasshopper? 15-30 mm ### How long does Broad Green-winged Grasshopper live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Broad Green-winged Grasshopper fly? 7 km/h ### What does Broad Green-winged Grasshopper eat? This plant-eater munches on various grasses and leaves, helping to manage vegetation. ### Where is Broad Green-winged Grasshopper usually found? Grasslands ### How does Broad Green-winged Grasshopper hunt? Grazing ## 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: [Broad Green-winged Grasshopper Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/broad-green-winged-grasshopper)