# Water-meadow Grasshopper (*Pseudochorthippus montanus*)

The Water-meadow Grasshopper is a small, green insect that loves to hop around in grassy areas. It makes a cheerful sound by rubbing its wings together, especially during warm days.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Grasslands

![Water-meadow Grasshopper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Chorthippus_montanus_DSC_6297M.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Gilles San Martin, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chorthippus_montanus_DSC_6297M.JPG)

## Appearance

The Water-meadow Grasshopper is typically green or brownish, often with a darker stripe running down its back. It has relatively short wings that might not cover its entire abdomen, making it look a bit stockier than other grasshoppers.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Orthoptera
- **Family:** Acrididae
- **Genus:** Pseudochorthippus

## Interesting facts

- Baby grasshoppers, called nymphs, look like tiny adults but without wings.
- Their songs vary by temperature; they sing faster when it's warmer outside!
- These grasshoppers often shed their skin five or six times as they grow up!
- They "hear" with special organs on their abdomen, not with ears on their head!

## Special abilities

- **Super Jumper:** The Water-meadow Grasshopper can launch itself far using powerful hind legs that helps them escape from predators quickly.
- **Wetland Camouflage:** Water-meadow Grasshopper has a body coloration of greens and browns that helps them blend perfectly into tall meadow grasses.
- **Chirping Communicator:** The Water-meadow Grasshopper can rub its legs against its wings to create sounds that helps them attract mates and define territory.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 25-40 mm
- **Size:** 15-25 mm
- **Lifespan:** 60-120 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

They munch on fresh grasses and other juicy plants found in their wet homes.

- **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, Various Herbs
- **Foraging Method:** Grazing

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Common Frog (*Rana temporaria*) — Adult frogs prey on grasshoppers in damp habitats.
- **Eats:** Common Nightingale (*Luscinia megarhynchos*) — Birds like nightingales forage for insects, including grasshoppers.
- **Eats:** [Yorkshire Fog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yorkshire-fog) (*Holcus lanatus*) — This grass species is a common food source in their habitat.

## 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.
- [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

Grasshoppers are safe to watch, but be gentle if you try to catch one.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Water-meadow 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 Water-meadow Grasshopper's wingspan?

25-40 mm

### How big is Water-meadow Grasshopper?

15-25 mm

### How long does Water-meadow Grasshopper live?

60-120 days

### What does Water-meadow Grasshopper eat?

They munch on fresh grasses and other juicy plants found in their wet homes.

### Where is Water-meadow Grasshopper usually found?

Grasslands

### How does Water-meadow Grasshopper hunt?

Grazing

### How many legs does Water-meadow Grasshopper have?

6

## 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*)

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Source: [Water-meadow Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/water-meadow-grasshopper)