# Common Field Grasshopper (*Chorthippus brunneus*)

The Common Field Grasshopper is a small, hopping insect that loves to live in grassy areas. They are known for their green or brown color, which helps them blend in with the grass.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Common Field Grasshopper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Grasshopper_April_2008-3.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grasshopper_April_2008-3.jpg)

## Appearance

The Common Field Grasshopper is a medium-sized insect, typically brown or greenish-brown, often with darker markings along its back and legs. It has short antennae, and males usually possess distinctive orange or reddish lower hind legs, helping to differentiate it from similar species.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Orthoptera
- **Family:** Acrididae
- **Genus:** Chorthippus

## Interesting facts

- Each species has its own unique grasshopper song!
- Male grasshoppers sing louder to show off to females.
- Their eggs survive winter buried safely underground.
- They listen using ears located on their belly!

## Special abilities

- **Chirping Communicator:** Common Field Grasshopper makes 'chirping' sounds by rubbing its hind legs against its wings, helping them attract mates.
- **Camouflage Master:** Common Field Grasshopper has body colors that blend with its surroundings, helping it hide from birds and other predators.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 30-35 mm
- **Size:** 13-25 mm
- **Lifespan:** 150-180 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

This grasshopper munches on various grasses and herbs, helping recycle plant nutrients.

- **Primary Foods:** various grasses, clover, plantain, dandelion
- **Foraging Method:** Grazing

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [European Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — A common prey for this garden bird.
- **Eaten by:** Common Kestrel (*Falco tinnunculus*) — A staple food for hunting kestrels.
- **Eaten by:** Garden Cross Spider (*Araneus diadematus*) — Can be caught in spider webs.
- **Eats:** Cocksfoot (*Dactylis glomerata*) — Feeds on the leaves of this common grass.
- **Eats:** [Greater Plantain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greater-plantain) (*Plantago major*) — Sometimes nibbles on common broadleaf plants.

## 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.
- [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.
- [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

Grasshoppers are safe to observe, but be gentle if you catch one!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Common Field 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 Common Field Grasshopper's wingspan?

30-35 mm

### How big is Common Field Grasshopper?

13-25 mm

### How long does Common Field Grasshopper live?

150-180 days

### What does Common Field Grasshopper eat?

This grasshopper munches on various grasses and herbs, helping recycle plant nutrients.

### Where is Common Field Grasshopper usually found?

Grasslands

### How does Common Field Grasshopper hunt?

Grazing

### How many legs does Common Field Grasshopper have?

6

## 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*)

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Source: [Common Field Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-field-grasshopper)