# Two-striped Grasshopper (*Melanoplus bivittatus*) The Two-striped Grasshopper is a small, green insect with two dark stripes running down its back. They love to hop around in fields and gardens, making them fun to spot! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 13 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Two-striped Grasshopper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Two-striped_Grasshopper_%28Melanoplus_bivittatus%29_-_Killarney%252C_Ontario_01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two-striped_Grasshopper_%28Melanoplus_bivittatus%29_-_Killarney%252C_Ontario_01.jpg) ## Appearance The Two-striped Grasshopper has a robust body, typically green, yellow, or brownish, with two distinct pale stripes running along its back from head to wings. Its long, powerful hind legs are also usually marked with dark spots or bands, making it easily distinguishable. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Melanoplus ## Interesting facts - Baby grasshoppers, called nymphs, look like tiny adults but are born without wings! - Did you know grasshoppers have their 'ears' located on their belly? - Some grasshoppers can change their body color to perfectly match their surroundings! - They breathe through tiny holes along their sides, not their mouth like us! ## Special abilities - **Master Mimic:** Two-striped Grasshopper has earthy colors and patterns that help them blend perfectly into their grassy homes. - **Chirp Communicator:** Two-striped Grasshopper can create buzzing chirps by rubbing body parts together, which helps them talk to other grasshoppers. - **Plant Chomper:** Two-striped Grasshopper has strong mouthparts that help them chew through tough leaves and stems with ease. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 40-90 mm - **Size:** 25-50 mm - **Lifespan:** 60-120 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These herbivores love to munch on many different kinds of plants and grasses. - **Primary Foods:** Broad-leafed plants, Grasses, Clover, Alfalfa, Weeds - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — A common bird that hunts adult grasshoppers. - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — Snakes often prey on grasshoppers in their habitat. - **Parasitizes:** Horsehair Worm (*Mermis nigrescens*) — Can infect and control grasshopper behavior. - **Eats:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Feeds on the leaves of this widespread plant. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [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. - [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 While grasshoppers are not dangerous, it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Two-striped 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 Two-striped Grasshopper's wingspan? 40-90 mm ### How big is Two-striped Grasshopper? 25-50 mm ### How long does Two-striped Grasshopper live? 60-120 days ### How fast can Two-striped Grasshopper fly? 10 km/h ### What does Two-striped Grasshopper eat? These herbivores love to munch on many different kinds of plants and grasses. ### Where is Two-striped Grasshopper usually found? Grasslands ### How does Two-striped Grasshopper hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Cut Bank Ranger Station Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cut-bank-ranger-station-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [Monument Rocks](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monument-rocks) — Kansas, US · Nature Reserve - [Salmon Falls (West) Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/salmon-falls-west-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District - [Toadstool Geologic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/toadstool-geologic-park) — Nebraska, US · Nature Reserve - [Stone Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stone-zoo) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo - [Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cumbres-and-toltec-scenic-railroad) — New Mexico, US · Historic District [View all places to see Two-striped Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/two-striped-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: [Two-striped Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/two-striped-grasshopper)