Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper

melanoplus bispinosus

The Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper (Melanoplus bispinosus) is a fascinating member of the spur-throat grasshopper family, primarily active during the warm summer and autumn months. Characterized by its specialized feeding habits and remarkable jumping ability, this insect plays an important role in recycling plant matter within its grassland and prairie ecosystems. Like other members of the genus Melanoplus, it possesses a distinct spine or tubercle on the underside of its throat, which is a key trait of this diverse group of insects. Observers often encounter this species in sandy grasslands and agricultural margins, where its cryptically colored body provides near-perfect camouflage against dry weeds and soil. While it may appear as a simple garden hopper, its evolutionary adaptations for leaping and digesting complex plant defenses make it a highly successful survivor in arid, open landscapes. Spot a Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper? Identify it instantly with the Snappit nature app.

Habitat: Found in open sandy prairies, grasslands, pastures, and disturbed roadsides where sparse vegetation and loose soils are common.

Appearance

This grasshopper typically ranges from 2 to 4 centimeters in length, showcasing a mottled grayish-brown to yellowish-tan base coloration. A prominent dark stripe runs from behind its compound eyes across the side of the pronotum. Its hind legs are particularly robust, featuring dark, oblique bands on the outer femur and blue or pale-blue tibiae with black-tipped spines. The male is distinguished by a pair of small, spine-like projections on the subgenital plate, giving the species its 'two-spined' common name.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOrthopteraFamilyAcrididaeGenusMelanoplus

Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper

Interesting facts

In late autumn, females drill holes into the soil using their ovipositors to deposit egg pods that overwinter and hatch in spring.

The 'two-spined' identifier comes from two distinct small bumps or spine-like structures on the male's abdomen tip.

The common name 'spur-throat' refers to a tiny, peg-like projection located on the throat between their front legs.

Special abilities

Leverages muscular hind legs to leap dozens of times its body length, escaping immediate threats in milliseconds.

Adapts to dry conditions by efficiently recycling metabolic water and reducing water loss through a waxy cuticle.

Employs disruptive patterning that mimics dry grasses and sandy soils, rendering it invisible to avian predators while it feeds.

Measurements & details

Length: 2-4 cm
Wingspan: 4-6 cm
Weight: 0.001-0.003 kg
Lifespan: 1 years
Top Speed: 12 km/h
Clutch Size: 15-50
Incubation: 15-30 days

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on a wide range of herbaceous plants, including various grasses, weeds, and agricultural crops, digesting tough vegetation with specialized mandibles.

Age differences: Nymphs consume softer, younger plant tissue, while adults can feed on tougher, fibrous stems and leaves.

Primary Foods

Grasses
Forbs
Sunflowers
Weeds

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

host plant

Common Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Feeds heavily on the foliage of this common grassland plant.

eaten by

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

Preys on grasshoppers, often impaling them on thorns or barbed wire.

eaten by

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Preys on both nymphs and adult grasshoppers during the summer.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper?

The easiest way to identify Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper?

2-4 cm

What is Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper's wingspan?

4-6 cm

How much does Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper weigh?

0.001-0.003 kg

How long does Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper live?

1 years

How fast can Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper move?

12 km/h

What does Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper eat?

Feeds on a wide range of herbaceous plants, including various grasses, weeds, and agricultural crops, digesting tough vegetation with specialized mandibles.

Where is Two-Spined Spur-Throat Grasshopper usually found?

Found in open sandy prairies, grasslands, pastures, and disturbed roadsides where sparse vegetation and loose soils are common.