# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Found in dry, open habitats such as prairies, old fields, sandy pastures, and open pine or oak woodlands. ![Velvet-Striped Grasshopper](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/511638907/medium.jpg) Photo: CC0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/511638907) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Eritettix ## 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 - **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. - **Early Emergence:** By overwintering as late-stage nymphs rather than eggs, they can mature into adults in early spring before most other grasshopper species. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — The grasshopper consumes the blades of Kentucky Bluegrass as a major food source. - **Eaten by:** [Carolina Mantis](https://www.snappit.app/explore/carolina-mantis) (*Stagmomantis carolina*) — An ambush predator that frequently captures and eats grasshoppers in old fields. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Velvet-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. ### 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. ## Where to spot - [Lock and Dam No. 17](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lock-and-dam-no-17) — Illinois, US · Historic Site - [Toadstool Geologic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/toadstool-geologic-park) — Nebraska, US · Nature Reserve - [Sioux County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sioux-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Velvet-Striped Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/velvet-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: [Velvet-Striped Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/velvet-striped-grasshopper)