ExploreInsects

Differential Grasshopper

Melanoplus differentialis

The Differential Grasshopper is a lively insect that loves to hop around in fields and meadows. With its long legs and colorful body, it can be quite a sight to see as it jumps from plant to plant!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Differential Grasshopper is typically olive green to brownish-yellow with distinctive black 'chevron' markings on its large hind femurs. It has long antennae and fully developed wings that extend past its abdomen, often with a clear or slightly smoky tint, making it visually distinct from many smaller grasshopper species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOrthopteraFamilyAcrididaeGenusMelanoplus
Differential Grasshopper
singing trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Differential Grasshopper

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Differential Grasshoppers hear with tiny ears located on their abdomen, not on their head!

If their leg breaks off, a young grasshopper can sometimes regrow a new one!

These amazing insects can munch through their own body weight in plants every single day!

They lay their eggs deep underground in a protective 'pod,' safe from cold weather.

Special abilities

Ability

Super Jumper

Differential Grasshopper can launch itself far because of its incredibly powerful hind legs that help them escape predators quickly.

Ability

Winged Dodger

Differential Grasshopper has strong, clear wings that allow it to fly short distances, helping them escape danger or find new food sources.

Ability

Plant Muncher

Differential Grasshopper can digest tough plant material because its strong mandibles and digestive system help them eat a wide variety of plants.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-90 mm
Size
28-50 mm
Lifespan
60-90 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This grasshopper loves to munch on a variety of plants, especially grasses and leafy crops!

Primary Foods

  • grasses
  • corn
  • soybeans
  • alfalfa
  • weeds

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

Birds frequently prey on grasshoppers for protein.

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Snakes are important predators of many insects like grasshoppers.

eats

Corn

Zea mays

Differential Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to corn crops.

eats

Soybean

Glycine max

They are known agricultural pests, feeding on soybean leaves.

eaten by

Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Argiope aurantia

Spiders often catch grasshoppers in their strong webs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch grasshoppers from a distance and not try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Differential Grasshopper's wingspan?

60-90 mm

How big is Differential Grasshopper?

28-50 mm

How long does Differential Grasshopper live?

60-90 days

How fast can Differential Grasshopper fly?

15 km/h

What does Differential Grasshopper eat?

This grasshopper loves to munch on a variety of plants, especially grasses and leafy crops!

Where is Differential Grasshopper usually found?

Grasslands

How does Differential Grasshopper hunt?

Grazing

How many legs does Differential Grasshopper have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects