Grasshoppers are found all over the world and come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are crop pests, while others blend into their habitats with clever camouflage. In this guide, you’ll discover 20 common grasshopper types—from massive lubbers to tiny pygmy hoppers—along with details on their appearance, behavior, preferred environments, and what they eat.
1. Differential Grasshopper
The Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is a large and widespread species commonly found in North America. It is easily recognized by its yellow coloring and dark herringbone pattern on its hind legs.
Identification
- Color: Yellowish-green to brown with black chevron (V-shaped) markings on the hind legs
- Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (38–50 mm)
- Wings: Fully developed; capable of strong flight
- Antennae: Short and thick
Habitat
Found in fields, roadsides, gardens, and agricultural lands, especially in areas with tall grasses or crops. Prefers warm, dry environments with plenty of sunlight.
Diet
Feeds on a wide variety of plants and crops, including corn, soybeans, alfalfa, clover, and grasses. It is considered a serious agricultural pest in some regions.
Behavior
Differential Grasshoppers are active during the day, often seen sunning themselves or hopping from plant to plant. They are strong jumpers and fliers and will scatter quickly when disturbed. In high numbers, they can form migratory swarms and cause extensive crop damage.
2. American Grasshopper
The American Grasshopper (Schistocerca americana), also known as the American locust, is a large, robust species native to the southern United States. It is closely related to migratory locust species and is sometimes mistaken for them.
Identification
- Color: Light brown to tan with darker brown markings; nymphs are pink, red, or yellow
- Size: 1.8 to 2.2 inches (45–55 mm)
- Wings: Long, extend past the abdomen; good flyers
- Antennae: Short and straight
Habitat
Commonly found in open fields, pastures, gardens, and woodlands, especially in warm and humid climates. Also thrives in disturbed or overgrown areas with plenty of vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of grasses, weeds, and broadleaf plants. In large populations, it may feed on crops like corn, lettuce, and cotton, sometimes becoming a localized pest.
Behavior
Active during the daylight hours, often seen basking in the sun. Nymphs and adults may gather in loose groups. While not as aggressive as true locusts, the American Grasshopper can migrate short distances when food sources are depleted. They rely on jumping and flying to escape predators and disturbances.
3. Red-legged Grasshopper
The Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is a common species across North America, easily identified by its reddish hind legs. It thrives in grassy fields and is frequently seen in both rural and suburban areas.
Identification
- Color: Brown or greenish body with red hind legs and pale underside
- Size: 0.8 to 1.5 inches (20–38 mm)
- Wings: Extend to or beyond the tip of the abdomen
- Antennae: Short and robust
Habitat
Found in meadows, lawns, agricultural fields, and roadsides, especially where grasses and low vegetation are abundant. Prefers open, sunny areas with dry soil.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grasses, alfalfa, clover, and small herbaceous plants. Occasionally nibbles on garden vegetables and young crop plants like corn or wheat.
Behavior
Red-legged Grasshoppers are diurnal and active jumpers, often taking short flights when startled. They are one of the first species to appear in spring and may reproduce quickly under warm conditions, sometimes leading to localized infestations.
4. Two-striped Grasshopper
The Two-striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus) is one of the most recognizable North American grasshoppers due to its two pale yellow stripes running from the eyes to the wing tips.
Identification
- Color: Green or brown with two cream or yellow stripes down the back
- Size: 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38–63 mm)
- Wings: Fully developed; transparent with visible veins
- Antennae: Short and thick
Habitat
Prefers moist grasslands, alfalfa fields, ditches, and garden edges. It’s especially common in agricultural regions with dense vegetation and moderate to high humidity.
Diet
Highly polyphagous—it feeds on over 40 types of plants, including corn, wheat, barley, vegetables, and grasses. Known for its strong appetite and crop damage potential.
Behavior
Two-striped Grasshoppers are active fliers and strong hoppers, often seen in large numbers during late summer. They may migrate short distances and are considered a significant pest species in farming areas due to their high reproductive rate and feeding pressure.
5. Desert Locust
The Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is one of the most infamous grasshopper species due to its ability to form massive swarms that devastate crops across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. In solitary form, it behaves like a typical grasshopper; in gregarious form, it becomes a migratory pest.
Identification
- Color: Greenish or brown when solitary; yellow and black when in swarming (gregarious) phase
- Size: 2 to 3 inches (50–75 mm)
- Wings: Long and clear; capable of long-distance flight
- Antennae: Medium-length, flexible
Habitat
Thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, especially after rainfall. Breeds in sandy soils with sparse vegetation. Swarms form when population density increases in response to moisture and vegetation growth.
Diet
Feeds on a vast range of crops and vegetation, including grains, vegetables, grasses, and even tree leaves. Capable of stripping entire fields and causing severe agricultural losses in a matter of hours.
Behavior
Known for its phase polymorphism—shifting from solitary to gregarious behavior based on population and environmental conditions. In swarm form, it flies hundreds of miles, reproduces rapidly, and destroys crops over vast regions. Solitary individuals are more dispersed and less destructive.
6. Migratory Locust
The Migratory Locust (Locusta migratoria) is closely related to the Desert Locust and also capable of forming devastating swarms. It has a wide distribution, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Identification
- Color: Green to brown in solitary phase; yellow-brown with darker markings in gregarious phase
- Size: 1.8 to 2.8 inches (45–70 mm)
- Wings: Long, transparent, adapted for sustained flight
- Antennae: Slender and moderately long
Habitat
Inhabits wetlands, grasslands, riverbanks, and cultivated fields, especially those that experience seasonal rainfall. Population increases rapidly in floodplains and irrigated agricultural areas.
Diet
Feeds on over 300 plant species, including rice, maize, millet, sugarcane, and vegetables. In swarm form, it becomes a high-risk pest across multiple crops and ecosystems.
Behavior
Migratory Locusts are capable of both solitary and gregarious behaviors. In swarm phase, they migrate over long distances, breeding and feeding aggressively. Solitary individuals remain localized and are less damaging. Swarm outbreaks are triggered by environmental factors like moisture, temperature, and crowding.
7. Spur-throated Grasshopper
The Spur-throated Grasshopper (Melanoplus spp. group) is named for the distinct small spur located between its front legs on the underside of its thorax. It includes several important species in North America, many of which are common in gardens and grasslands.
Identification
- Color: Varies—green, brown, or a mix of both
- Size: 1 to 2 inches (25–50 mm)
- Wings: Fully developed, usually extending beyond the abdomen
- Distinct Feature: A sharp spur or cone between the front legs
Habitat
Found in open meadows, grasslands, agricultural fields, and roadsides. Thrives in warm, dry environments and is widespread across the U.S. and Canada.
Diet
Feeds on grasses, alfalfa, soybeans, corn, and clover. Some species within this group can become serious crop pests, especially during dry summers.
Behavior
Spur-throated Grasshoppers are day-active, strong hoppers. They prefer sunlit areas and can cause significant plant damage when in high numbers. Many species in this group lay eggs in undisturbed soil during late summer.
8. Green Grasshopper
The Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus and other similar species) is a vibrant green grasshopper often found in European meadows and grasslands. Its camouflage helps it blend into grassy environments, making it less visible to predators.
Identification
- Color: Bright green with brown or reddish wings
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches (20–30 mm)
- Wings: Short to medium length, depending on species
- Antennae: Short and thread-like
Habitat
Common in meadows, pasturelands, lawns, and grassy hillsides. Prefers moist, lush areas with dense grass cover for feeding and hiding.
Diet
Feeds on grasses, clover, dandelions, and other herbaceous plants. It plays a role in natural grass trimming and nutrient cycling in meadows.
Behavior
Green Grasshoppers are active during sunny days, hopping between grass blades and low plants. They rely heavily on camouflage and short, rapid jumps to escape threats. Males produce a soft chirping sound by rubbing their hind legs against their wings during mating displays.
9. Slant-faced Grasshopper
The Slant-faced Grasshopper (Gomphocerinae subfamily) is easily recognized by its angled facial profile, giving it a distinctive slanted appearance. These grasshoppers are more slender than many other types and are well-camouflaged in grassy habitats.
Identification
- Color: Green, tan, or light brown with subtle striping
- Size: 0.8 to 1.5 inches (20–38 mm)
- Face: Noticeably slanted head and face
- Wings: Short to medium length, with narrow body shape
Habitat
Found in grassy meadows, tall grass prairies, marshes, and fields. Prefers habitats with long, undisturbed grasses, especially near wet areas or open plains.
Diet
Feeds primarily on grasses and sedges, occasionally eating small flowering plants. It plays a role in natural grass regulation.
Behavior
Slant-faced Grasshoppers are timid and well-hidden, often crouching along grass stems. They rely on stillness and camouflage rather than jumping immediately. Males produce faint buzzing or clicking sounds to attract females during mating season.
10. Short-horned Grasshopper
The Short-horned Grasshopper (Acrididae family) includes a wide variety of common species characterized by their short, thick antennae. Many economically important pest species, like locusts, belong to this group.
Identification
- Color: Ranges from green to brown, often with banded legs and striped thorax
- Size: 1 to 3 inches (25–75 mm), depending on species
- Antennae: Short and club-like
- Body: Sturdy with well-developed wings
Habitat
Widespread in grasslands, farmlands, roadsides, deserts, and forest edges. Found worldwide, especially in areas with ample vegetation and dry to semi-dry conditions.
Diet
Feeds on a wide variety of grasses, crops, and weeds. Some species are major agricultural pests, damaging grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Behavior
Short-horned Grasshoppers are strong jumpers and fliers, often moving quickly when disturbed. Some species may gather in large groups, and a few (like locusts) can form swarms under the right environmental conditions. Most are active during the day, basking in the sun and feeding on vegetation.
11. Long-horned Grasshopper
The Long-horned Grasshopper (Tettigoniidae family), also known as katydids, is known for its very long, thread-like antennae—often longer than its body. Unlike many grasshoppers, it is more closely related to crickets and is typically active at night.
Identification
- Color: Usually green, leaf-like; some species are brown or patterned
- Size: 1 to 2.5 inches (25–65 mm)
- Antennae: Extremely long, thin, and flexible
- Wings: Leaf-like in many species, aiding camouflage
Habitat
Found in woodlands, shrubs, grasslands, and gardens, especially in areas with dense vegetation. Commonly hides on leaves or branches.
Diet
Most are omnivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, fruit, and small insects. Some species are strictly herbivores, while others may eat pest insects.
Behavior
Long-horned Grasshoppers are nocturnal and use their chirping or clicking sounds for mating calls. They rely on camouflage and stillness during the day, blending into leaves. They are slower than other grasshoppers but may jump or fly when disturbed.
12. Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera) is a large, brightly colored grasshopper found in the southeastern United States. It is flightless and slow-moving but makes up for it with its toxic defense and warning colors.
Identification
- Color: Yellow-orange to red with black markings; some are entirely dark
- Size: 2 to 3 inches (50–75 mm)
- Wings: Short and underdeveloped (not for flying)
- Antennae: Short and thick
Habitat
Found in pinewoods, meadows, roadsides, and open forests in the southeastern U.S. Prefers warm climates with plenty of low vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of broadleaf plants, flowers, and crops, including citrus, amaryllis, and vegetables. Despite their large size, they eat relatively slowly.
Behavior
Eastern Lubbers are diurnal, slow-moving, and very visible. When threatened, they may hiss, secrete a foul-smelling foam, or flash their colorful hindwings. Their bright coloration is a warning to predators, as they are mildly toxic and unpalatable.
13. Band-winged Grasshopper
Band-winged Grasshoppers (Oedipodinae subfamily) are known for their brightly colored hindwings, which are often hidden when at rest and suddenly revealed during flight—startling predators and aiding in escape.
Identification
- Color: Brown, gray, or tan body; hindwings may be red, yellow, or blue with dark bands
- Size: 1 to 2 inches (25–50 mm)
- Wings: Forewings dull; hindwings vivid with bands
- Antennae: Short and pointed
Habitat
Common in open, dry areas, such as prairies, fields, gravel roads, and sandy regions. Prefers habitats with bare ground and sparse vegetation for sunning and launching into flight.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grasses and low-growing herbaceous plants. Occasionally feeds on crops or garden plants if vegetation is sparse.
Behavior
Band-winged Grasshoppers are day-active and strong fliers. When disturbed, they suddenly flash their bright hindwings, then drop into camouflage among rocks or dirt. This startle-and-hide tactic makes them difficult to track. Males often produce crackling sounds in flight to attract females.
14. Carolina Grasshopper
The Carolina Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina), also called the Black-winged Grasshopper, is large and well camouflaged when at rest, but it reveals striking black wings with pale edges during flight.
Identification
- Color: Mottled gray or brown; hindwings black with pale yellow edges
- Size: 1.8 to 2.5 inches (45–65 mm)
- Wings: Long, strong, and very noticeable in flight
- Antennae: Short and slightly clubbed
Habitat
Often found in dry, open habitats such as gravel roads, rocky paths, dry fields, and urban lots. Prefers bare or sparsely vegetated ground for basking and camouflage.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of grasses and weeds, including ragweed, plantain, and clover. It may feed on crops during droughts or in disturbed areas.
Behavior
When disturbed, it takes off with a strong, buzzing flight, displaying its dramatic black-and-white hindwings. After landing, it blends quickly into the ground. Active in hot, sunny conditions, often seen basking on warm surfaces like dirt or rocks.
15. Meadow Grasshopper
The Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus) is a small, colorful species common across Europe and parts of Asia. It’s often found in grassy meadows and pastures, especially in warm, sunny areas.
Identification
- Color: Green, brown, or pinkish with a distinct dark stripe behind the eye
- Size: 0.5 to 0.9 inches (13–23 mm)
- Wings: Shorter in females, often longer in males
- Antennae: Short and slightly curved
Habitat
Prefers lush meadows, fields, and roadside grasslands with tall grasses. Most active in lowland areas, though also found in upland pastures.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grasses and sedges, particularly ryegrass, fescues, and timothy. Helps in natural grass regulation in wild pastures.
Behavior
A non-migratory, ground-dwelling species, Meadow Grasshoppers are often heard before seen. Males make short, buzzing chirps by rubbing their legs against their wings. They are active during warm daylight hours and prefer slow hopping over long flights.
16. Obscure Bird Grasshopper
The Obscure Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca obscura) is a large, robust grasshopper found in the southeastern United States. It’s related to locust species and known for its strong flight and plant-feeding behavior.
Identification
- Color: Olive-brown or green with pale markings on the wings and back
- Size: 2 to 2.8 inches (50–70 mm)
- Wings: Long and transparent with light speckling
- Antennae: Short, thick, and upright
Habitat
Found in woodlands, forest edges, gardens, and open fields, especially in warm, humid regions. Often seen perched on shrubs and low trees.
Diet
Feeds on a wide range of woody and herbaceous plants, including oak, citrus, beans, and garden crops. Occasionally becomes a minor pest in ornamental landscapes.
Behavior
Obscure Bird Grasshoppers are strong fliers and may jump or fly considerable distances when disturbed. They prefer higher perches and are more arboreal than many other species. Typically solitary and most active during warm, sunny days.
17. Plains Lubber Grasshopper
The Plains Lubber Grasshopper (Brachystola magna) is one of the largest grasshoppers in North America. Despite its size, it’s flightless and relies on warning coloration and chemical defenses to deter predators.
Identification
- Color: Pinkish-brown to purplish with black markings; heavy-bodied
- Size: 2.5 to 3.5 inches (63–90 mm)
- Wings: Very short and nonfunctional
- Antennae: Short and thick
Habitat
Common in the central and southwestern U.S., especially in dry grasslands, deserts, and scrubby plains with sparse vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on broadleaf plants, wildflowers, and occasional grasses, including sunflowers and desert herbs. It usually avoids crops and is not a major pest.
Behavior
Moves slowly and uses startle tactics, such as raising its wings or producing a hissing sound when threatened. Also excretes a foul-smelling liquid. It rarely jumps and is most active during the morning and late afternoon.
18. Southern Green Grasshopper
The Southern Green Grasshopper (Chlorizeina unicolor) is a strikingly bright green species found across tropical and subtropical Asia. It’s often seen in cultivated lands and near water.
Identification
- Color: Uniformly bright green with a smooth body and large hind legs
- Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (38–50 mm)
- Wings: Long and narrow, extending past the abdomen
- Antennae: Medium-length and slightly curved
Habitat
Lives in rice fields, sugarcane plantations, and grassy ditches, thriving in moist, humid climates with dense vegetation.
Diet
Feeds on rice, sugarcane, and other cereal crops, making it a moderate agricultural pest in tropical areas.
Behavior
Southern Green Grasshoppers are quick jumpers and strong fliers, often seen moving between plants in large numbers. They are more active in humid, early morning conditions and may migrate short distances during population peaks.
19. Pygmy Grasshopper
The Pygmy Grasshopper (Tetrigidae family) is a small, compact species found worldwide. It’s easily recognized by its extended pronotum, which often covers the wings and abdomen like a shield.
Identification
- Color: Brown, gray, or mottled to match soil or leaf litter
- Size: 0.3 to 0.6 inches (8–15 mm)
- Wings: Often hidden beneath a shield-like thorax
- Antennae: Short and bristle-like
Habitat
Prefers damp, muddy areas such as pond edges, marshes, stream banks, and forest floors. Blends in with wet soil and mossy environments.
Diet
Feeds mainly on algae, mosses, decaying plant material, and sometimes tender seedlings. Not harmful to crops.
Behavior
Pygmy Grasshoppers are quiet and elusive, relying on camouflage to avoid predators. They move in short hops and prefer shaded, moist areas. Most species are non-flying or poor fliers.
20. Club-horned Grasshopper
The Club-horned Grasshopper (Aulocara elliotti) is a dryland species native to western North America, recognized by its clubbed antennae and preference for open, arid rangelands.
Identification
- Color: Gray to greenish-brown with a slim build and club-like antenna tips
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches (20–30 mm)
- Wings: Fully developed and transparent
- Antennae: Thickened at the ends
Habitat
Found in prairies, dry grasslands, and sagebrush steppes, especially in semi-arid to arid climates with sparse grass cover.
Diet
Feeds on short grasses and low-growing plants, such as blue grama and buffalo grass. Plays a role in native grassland ecosystems.
Behavior
An agile jumper and quick flier, this species is active in hot, dry weather. It’s often seen fleeing in short bursts ahead of human or animal movement. Typically solitary and low-impact in terms of crop damage.