Velvet-Striped Grasshopper
ExploreInsects
Velvet-Striped Grasshopper
eritettix simplex
The Velvet-Striped Grasshopper is a charming small grasshopper native to the grasslands and open pine savannas of central and eastern North America. Named for the striking, plush-looking dark stripes running down its back, this species is an early-season treat for nature enthusiasts. Unlike many other grasshoppers that mature in late summer, the Velvet-Striped Grasshopper overwinters as active nymphs, allowing them to emerge as adults in early spring to fill the warming fields with their subtle songs. As a vital component of the grassland ecosystem, they feed primarily on grasses, converting plant biomass into food for birds, small mammals, and predatory insects. Their remarkable camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly with dried grasses and sandy soil, making spotting one a rewarding challenge.
Habitat: Found in dry, open habitats such as prairies, old fields, sandy pastures, and open pine or oak woodlands.
Appearance
The Velvet-Striped Grasshopper is a relatively small grasshopper, typically measuring between 1.5 to 3.0 centimeters in length. It is easily recognized by the prominent, velvet-textured dark brown or black stripes running along the top of its head and pronotum, often bordered by contrasting light tan, creamy yellow, or green stripes. The overall coloration is highly variable, ranging from grayish-brown to bright green, which helps them blend into their surroundings. They have clear hind wings with darker veins, and their hind legs are adapted for powerful jumps, often marked with dark bands.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOrthopteraFamilyAcrididaeGenusEritettix
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
The velvet stripes that give them their name are actually made of extremely dense, fine micro-hairs that absorb light differently than the rest of their exoskeleton.
Their coloration can vary dramatically from solid green to shades of brown and gray, enabling individuals to adapt to different micro-habitats.
Unlike the majority of North American grasshoppers that overwinter as eggs, the Velvet-Striped Grasshopper overwinters as a nymph, allowing adults to appear as early as April.
Special abilities
Ability
Velvet Camouflage
The dark, velvet-textured stripes on its pronotum break up its outline, helping it blend perfectly with dry pine needles and dead grass.
Ability
Early Emergence
By overwintering as late-stage nymphs rather than eggs, they can mature into adults in early spring before most other grasshopper species.
Ability
Crepitation and Stridulation
Males produce soft buzzes by rubbing their hind legs against their forewings, using sound to attract mates in dense ground vegetation.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1-3 cm
- Wingspan
- 2-5 cm
- Weight
- 0.0003-0.0015 kg
- Lifespan
- 1 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-40
- Incubation
- 14-30 days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on various species of grasses and sedges found in its open prairie and woodland habitats.
Primary Foods
- Bluegrass
- Fescue grass
- Sedges
- Wild oats
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Feeds on grasshoppers, including the velvet-striped grasshopper, to provide protein for its chicks in the spring.
host plant
Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis
The grasshopper consumes the blades of Kentucky Bluegrass as a major food source.
eaten by
.jpg&width=800)
Carolina Mantis
Stagmomantis carolina
An ambush predator that frequently captures and eats grasshoppers in old fields.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Velvet-Striped Grasshopper?
The easiest way to identify Velvet-Striped Grasshopper is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Velvet-Striped Grasshopper?
1-3 cm
What is Velvet-Striped Grasshopper's wingspan?
2-5 cm
How much does Velvet-Striped Grasshopper weigh?
0.0003-0.0015 kg
How long does Velvet-Striped Grasshopper live?
1 years
How fast can Velvet-Striped Grasshopper move?
8 km/h
What does Velvet-Striped Grasshopper eat?
Feeds primarily on various species of grasses and sedges found in its open prairie and woodland habitats.
Where is Velvet-Striped Grasshopper usually found?
Found in dry, open habitats such as prairies, old fields, sandy pastures, and open pine or oak woodlands.
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.
_Thyatira_batis_-_Kunstat_Czech_Republic_-_male.jpg&width=800)
