# Clear-winged Grasshopper (*Camnula pellucida*) The Clear-winged Grasshopper is a special insect with beautiful, transparent wings. They love to hop around in grassy areas and can be found in fields and meadows, making them fun to spot! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Clear-winged Grasshopper](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/216569535/medium.jpg) Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Braden J. Judson, CC0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/216569535) ## Appearance The Clear-winged Grasshopper has a mottled brown to reddish-brown body with long, clear hind wings, though sometimes smoky. Its forewings bear a distinct pale stripe along the middle. A pale line often runs behind its eye. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Camnula ## Interesting facts - Sometimes they darken their bodies to absorb more sunlight and get warmer. - Their eggs are laid in underground pods that survive winter's harsh cold. - These grasshoppers taste their food using special receptors on their feet! - They can change from solitary to a swarming, destructive locust phase! ## Special abilities - **Mighty Leapers:** Clear-winged Grasshopper can jump incredibly far because of powerful hind legs that help them escape predators quickly. - **Camouflage Master:** Clear-winged Grasshopper has a speckled brown body that helps them blend perfectly into dry grasses, making them hard to spot. - **Temperature Adjuster:** Clear-winged Grasshopper can turn its body to face the sun, helping them warm up or cool down efficiently. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-85 mm - **Size:** 15-28 mm - **Lifespan:** 40-70 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding They mainly munch on grasses and various small plants. - **Primary Foods:** Agropyron cristatum, Bromus tectorum, Poa pratensis, Triticum aestivum - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Western Meadowlark](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-meadowlark) (*Sturnella neglecta*) — A common bird predator of adult grasshoppers. - **Parasitizes:** Tachinid Fly (*Archytas apicifer*) — Its larvae develop inside the grasshopper's body. - **Eats:** Common Wheat (*Triticum aestivum*) — A primary food source and agricultural pest target. - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus undulatus*) — Lizards frequently prey on these 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. - [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. - [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. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's safe to watch grasshoppers, but don't try to catch them; they like to hop away! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Clear-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 Clear-winged Grasshopper's wingspan? 30-85 mm ### How big is Clear-winged Grasshopper? 15-28 mm ### How long does Clear-winged Grasshopper live? 40-70 days ### What does Clear-winged Grasshopper eat? They mainly munch on grasses and various small plants. ### Where is Clear-winged Grasshopper usually found? Grasslands ### How does Clear-winged Grasshopper hunt? Grazing ### How many legs does Clear-winged Grasshopper have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Francis Point Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/francis-point-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State 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: [Clear-winged Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/clear-winged-grasshopper)