Subject: They’re agricultural pests, but…
Location: Naperville, IL
September 22, 2012 10:58 am
Hi Daniel!
Happy first day of autumn! I believe (from its outer hind leg markings) that this is a female (a good 2 1/2” long) Melanoplus differentialis – differential grasshopper. And although they’re considered garden pests, they are amazingly intricate creatures.
All the best,
Signature: -Dori Eldridge
Differential Grasshopper
Hi Dori,
Thanks so much for submitting your image of a Differential Grasshopper. According to BugGuide, the distinguishing features are: “Forewings, pronotum uniform, without distinctive marks. Black herringbone markings on outer face of hind femora. Yellow hind tibiae.”
Differential Grasshopper
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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination
Location: Illinois
Hi Daniel,
Grasshoppers are the most commonly consumed general type of insect. I’ve eaten Menaloplus before, and they’re quite tasty.
best,
Dave
http://www.smallstockfoods.com
Thanks Dave,
I will also tag this as edible.