Animal Profiles
Insects

Grasshopper

Orthoptera

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Grasshoppers include many plant-eating species. This account describes the red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum), a widespread North American inhabitant of grassy and disturbed sites.

Melanoplus femurrubrum, the representative described in this account.

Melanoplus femurrubrum, the representative described in this account.

Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Red-legged grasshoppers occupy grasslands, fallow fields, roadsides and open woodland.
Habitat
Grassland, Towns and cities
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Both grasses and broad-leaved plants can provide food.

Classification

Common name
Grasshopper
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Orthoptera
Taxon rank
order
Order
Orthoptera
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It eats grasses and other plants.
  • Young nymphs lack adult wings.
  • Hind legs are adapted for jumping.

Habitat and range

Red-legged grasshoppers occupy grasslands, fallow fields, roadsides and open woodland. Dense vegetation provides food and shelter across much of temperate North America.

Appearance and adaptations

The hind legs are enlarged for jumping, with reddish lower sections commonly visible. Adults have developed wings, whereas young nymphs resemble smaller wingless versions.

Diet and behaviour

Both grasses and broad-leaved plants can provide food. Nymphs pass through several molts before adulthood, and adult flight helps the insects disperse to new feeding areas.

Sources

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