# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 12 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Differential Grasshopper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Grasshopper_at_MGSP.jpg&width=800) Photo: Rkitko, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grasshopper_at_MGSP.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Melanoplus ## 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 - **Super Jumper:** Differential Grasshopper can launch itself far because of its incredibly powerful hind legs that help them escape predators quickly. - **Winged Dodger:** Differential Grasshopper has strong, clear wings that allow it to fly short distances, helping them escape danger or find new food sources. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/corn) (*Zea mays*) — Differential Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to corn crops. - **Eats:** [Soybean](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [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. - [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 best to watch grasshoppers from a distance and not try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Differential 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Clayton Public Schools Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/clayton-public-schools-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/delaware-division-of-the-pennsylvania-canal) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic Site - [Hedgesville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hedgesville-historic-district) — West Virginia, US · Historic District - [Morris Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/morris-arboretum) — Pennsylvania, US · Botanical Garden - [Shackelford County Courthouse Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/shackelford-county-courthouse-historic-district) — Texas, US · Historic District - [Red River Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-river-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo [View all places to see Differential Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/differential-grasshopper) ## 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: [Differential Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/differential-grasshopper)