American Bird Grasshopper: Essential Facts and Tips

folder_openInsecta, Orthoptera
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The American bird grasshopper is a fascinating species with unique features that set them apart from other grasshoppers.

These intriguing insects have a distinct appearance, with their main color being tan, and sometimes displaying an olive or pinkish hue.

Not all grasshoppers can fly adeptly, but the American bird grasshopper is known for its large wings and graceful flying capabilities, which help them evade danger and settle up on trees.

American Bird Grasshopper:

Belonging to the genus Schistocerca, American bird grasshoppers are related to other bird grasshoppers found in Missouri and Oklahoma.

They are considered larger than other spur-throated grasshoppers, with adult sizes ranging from 1.6 to 2.8 inches (40 to 70 mm) in length.

Their slender build, impressive size, and striking markings make them easy to identify among other grasshopper species.

Female American bird grasshoppers lay their eggs in the soil using their ovipositor, depositing them about 2 to 3 cm below the surface.

Typically, a frothy polymer-like substance secreted by the female is used to bind together a cluster of 60 to 80 eggs.

They tend to prefer areas with some ground cover, offering a better environment for their offspring to hatch and grow.

Overview of the American Bird Grasshopper

Identification and Quick Facts

The American Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca americana) is a large, red to orange-brown grasshopper, easily identified by its yellow dorsal line and various dark spots and white lines.

Adult grasshoppers of this species vary in length from 1.2 to 2.8 inches (30mm to 70mm) 1.

They belong to the arthropod family Acrididae and the order Orthoptera 2. Here are some quick facts about the American Bird Grasshopper:

  • Main color: Tan, sometimes with olive or pinkish cast
  • Length: 1.2 to 2.8 inches (30mm to 70mm)
  • Habitat: Areas with ground cover
  • Similar to crickets in appearance
  • Known for long bodies, large wings, and the ability to fly gracefully

American Bird Grasshopper Taxonomy

The taxonomy of the American Bird Grasshopper is as follows:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Orthoptera
  • Family: Acrididae
  • Genus: Schistocerca
  • Species: Schistocerca americana

The American Bird Grasshopper is closely related to spur-throated grasshoppers and also has a spur/spine on the underside of its thorax, just behind its head3.

They are larger and more slender than many other grasshoppers in their order, Orthoptera, which includes other common insects like crickets and grasshoppers in the suborder Caelifera4.

Although they are related to other grasshoppers, the American Bird Grasshopper has distinct features, making it easy to identify and understand them.

Physical Attributes of American Bird Grasshopper

Size and Appearance

The American bird grasshopper is known for its large size and ornate markings. Its main color is tan, sometimes with an olive or pinkish cast.

They are long-bodied with large wings, which enable them to fly gracefully. Adults of this species can range in size between 1.6 to 2.8 inches (40 to 70 mm) long.

Hind Legs and Jumping Abilities

  • Long, strong hind legs
  • Adapted for jumping
  • Adult grasshoppers are good fliers for short distances

The American bird grasshopper’s hind legs are well adapted for jumping. These powerful legs also enable the adult grasshoppers to be good fliers over short distances.

Male vs Female

Feature Male Female
Size Smaller Larger
Egg-laying Not applicable Depositing eggs in the soil
Coloration & Appearance Similar to female Similar to male

The physical appearances of male and female American bird grasshoppers are quite similar. However, females tend to be larger in size.

One key difference between the male and female grasshoppers is related to reproduction: only females lay eggs, depositing them into the soil.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographical Range

The American bird grasshopper (Schistocerca obscura) is found mainly in the southeastern region of the United States, such as Florida and North Carolina.

Its range extends from the eastern coastal regions of the United States to the central parts. In some cases, the grasshopper has been found as far north as Canada.

Habitat Preferences

The American bird grasshopper prefers living in various habitats like:

  • Open grasslands
  • Woodlands
  • Agricultural fields

These grasshoppers are adaptable and can thrive in different environments. For example, they are commonly found in Florida, where the habitat varies from sandy soils to pine flatwoods.

Comparison of American Bird Grasshopper and Schistocerca Grasshopper Habitats:

Habitat American Bird Grasshopper Schistocerca Grasshoppers
Grasslands Yes Yes
Woodlands Yes Yes
Agricultural Yes Yes

American bird grasshoppers share their habitat preferences with other Schistocerca grasshoppers.

However, each species might have specific environmental factors that affect their distribution.

Overall, the American bird grasshopper is a resilient species that can easily adapt to different environments across the United States and Canada.

Feeding and Impact on Agriculture

Diet and Feeding Habits

The American grasshopper, also known as the Schistocerca americana, is a type of short-horned grasshopper often found in North America. They mainly feed on :

  • Leaves
  • Flowers
  • Stems

They can consume a wide variety of plant species and often defoliate crops like citrus, causing significant agricultural damage.

Agricultural Pest

American grasshoppers are considered an agricultural pest due to their high reproductive rates and feeding habits. They have been known to cause damage in several states, such as Texas and Wisconsin. The main crops affected include:

  • Citrus
  • Alfalfa
  • Wheat

Control Measures

Effective control measures for the American grasshopper involve both natural and chemical methods. Some examples are:

  • Natural predators: Encouraging the presence of birds, insects, and arachnids that feed on grasshoppers.

  • Cultural practices: Keeping fields and gardens weed-free can help reduce the grasshopper population.

  • Insecticides: Using chemical insecticides like carbaryl, malathion, and permethrin can help control their numbers, but they should be used sparingly to minimize environmental impact.

Comparison: Natural vs. Chemical Control

Pros Natural Control Chemical Control
  Environmentally friendly Fast-acting
  Promotes biodiversity Effective against large populations
Cons Slow to show results Potential harm to non-target species
  Might not be effective in severe infestations Can negatively impact the ecosystem

You can deploy a combination of these methods to efficiently tackle grasshopper issues in agricultural settings.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Eggs and Adults

The life cycle of the American bird grasshopper, Schistocerca americana, consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

The females lay their eggs in the soil, usually in groups called pods. After 3-4 weeks, nymphs hatch from the eggs and work their way to the surface2. They undergo five or six instars before becoming adults3.

Female grasshoppers lay eggs only when they are 1 week old or older4.

Two Generations per Year

It takes about two months for a grasshopper to complete its life cycle from egg to adult5. In areas with warmer climates, this can result in two generations per year.

Temperature and Density Impact

  • Depending on temperature and density levels, the grasshopper’s behavior may change.
  • High density and warmer temperatures may result in swarming or migratory behavior.
  • Lower density and cooler temperatures often lead to more solitary lifestyles.

Comparison table: Solitary vs. Swarming

Condition Solitary Swarming
Temperature Cooler Warmer
Density Lower Higher

Predators and Interactions with Other Species

Birds and Other Predators

The American bird grasshopper, like other grasshoppers, has a variety of predators in its ecosystem. Some examples of these predators include:

  • Birds: Birds such as sparrows and crows frequently feast on grasshoppers
  • Spiders: Various species of spiders prey on grasshoppers
  • Arthropods: Insects like mantises and predatory beetles consume grasshoppers

Attracting Beneficial Insects

Encouraging the presence of beneficial insects in your garden can help control the population of grasshoppers and related insects such as katydids. Here are some ways to attract these helpful allies:

  • Plant flowers that provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects
  • Provide a source of water for thirsty insects
  • Create a suitable habitat for insects to lay eggs and complete their life cycles
  Beneficial Insect Prey
Example 1: Green lacewings Aphids, Whiteflies
Example 2: Ladybugs Aphids, Mealybugs
Example 3: Parasitic wasps Caterpillars

Attracting these beneficial insects helps maintain balance within the ecosystem, ensuring that grasshoppers and other pests do not overrun your garden or landscape.

Fun Facts and More

  • The American bird grasshopper can jump impressive distances, thanks to its powerful hind legs.
  • With these legs, they can jump and fly rather gracefully to escape danger, like up into trees 1.
  • A combination of muscle strength and energy storage allows these grasshoppers to achieve great jumping distances.

Here’s a brief comparison between the American bird grasshopper and other hexapods:

Hexapod Jumping Distance Energy Storage (Approx.)
American Bird Grasshopper High High
Other Grasshopper Species Medium Medium
Ensifera (Crickets, etc.) Low Low

Conclusion

The American bird grasshopper is a fascinating species with distinctive features. From its tan color and large wings to its graceful flight and preference for ground cover, it stands out among grasshoppers. Understanding its life cycle, habitat, feeding habits, and control measures is crucial for managing its impact on agriculture.

Footnotes

  1. Grasshoppers of the Choctaw Nation in Southeast Oklahoma 2 3

  2. American Grasshopper, Schistocerca americana authDomain 2

  3. Oklahoma’s Bird Grasshoppers 2

  4. American grasshopper – Schistocerca americana (Drury) 2

  5. https://study.com/academy/lesson/lifecycle-of-a-grasshopper-lesson-for-kids.html

 

 

 

Bird Grasshopper

 

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

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Tags: Grasshopper

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