Differential Grasshopper: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

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Differential grasshoppers are fascinating insects known for their unique features and behaviors. They can vary in color from green to brownish-green or olive green, making them easily adaptable to different environments. These insects have hind legs with black herringbone patterns and yellow tibias, featuring saw-toothed black spikes, which provide them with excellent jumping abilities source.

An intriguing aspect of their life cycle is their mobility, which is evident in both nymphal and adult stages. Nymphs typically hatch from eggs concentrated in field borders and roadsides, then move into fields of barley, wheat, and alfalfa by crawling and hopping, forming cohesive bands in the process source. In some geographical locations, the differential grasshopper has been known to reach significant population densities, causing potential damage to rangeland and crops source.

Differential Grasshopper: Basics

Classification and Identification

The Differential Grasshopper belongs to the Insecta class and the Orthoptera order, specifically under the Melanoplus genus. Here’s how to identify this grasshopper:

  • Size: Adult grasshoppers are 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 inches long
  • Color: Brown to olive green with yellow variations, melanistic (black) individuals also exist
  • Hind legs: Enlarged for jumping, marked with chevron-like black markings 1

Size and Appearance

Differential Grasshoppers have a distinct look with the following features:

  • Enlarged hind legs for jumping
  • Chevron-like black markings on hind femora
  • Body length of 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 inches
  • Brown to olive green coloration, with some melanistic individuals 2

Range and Habitat

The Differential Grasshopper is commonly found in the United States. They typically inhabit fields and adjacent weedy borders, moving into crops like barley, wheat, and alfalfa for food 3. Here are some key habitat facts:

  • Fields, roadsides, and field borders
  • Prefer barley, wheat, and alfalfa crops
  • Migration involves crawling and hopping
  • Band together as a cohesive group 4

Life Cycle and Seasons

Nymphs to Adulthood

The life cycle of the differential grasshopper begins as nymphs hatch from eggs in field borders and roadsides. Nymphs then progress through multiple instars before becoming adults. While growing, they move to barley, wheat, and alfalfa fields to feed.

  • Nymphs are mobile
  • Growth occurs through instars

Mating and Reproduction

As adults, differential grasshoppers mate and reproduce by laying eggs in the soil. The timing of these activities constitutes their seasonal cycles.

  • Mating in adults
  • Reproduction through egg-laying

Diapause and Migratory Patterns

Differential grasshoppers go through a period of diapause, a sort of dormancy, as eggs. These eggs overwinter, awaiting suitable conditions to hatch. Migratory patterns may vary among grasshopper species.

  • Diapause occurs in eggs
  • Migratory habits differ between species
Stage Key Characteristics Example
Nymphs to Adulthood – Mobile
– Growth through instars
Feeding in wheat fields
Mating and Reproduction – Occurs in adult stage
– Eggs laid in soil
Reproductive seasonal cycles
Diapause and Migratory Patterns – Diapause in eggs
– Varying patterns among species
Overwintering egg stage

Food Habits and Diet

Polyphagous Feeders

Differential grasshoppers are polyphagous feeders, meaning they consume a wide variety of plants. Some features of their feeding habits include:

  • Preference for certain plants over others
  • Adaptability to numerous food sources

Common Food Sources

Differential grasshoppers feed on several plants, such as:

  • Grasses
  • Giant ragweed
  • Prickly lettuce
  • Common sunflower

Impact on Agriculture

These grasshoppers have a significant impact on agriculture, causing damage to several important crops:

  • Small grains
  • Corn
  • Alfalfa
  • Soybeans
  • Cotton
  • Various vegetables
  • Deciduous fruit trees

Damage comparison table:

Crop Damage severity
Small grains High
Corn High
Alfalfa High
Soybeans High
Cotton Moderate
Vegetables Moderate
Fruit trees Moderate

Impact on Ecosystem

Role in Grasslands

Differential grasshoppers play a vital role in grassland ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient cycling by consuming plants and being part of the food chain. These insects can graze on various crops, including barley, wheat, and alfalfa, and are known for their mobility in both nymphal and adult stages1.

Predators and Prey

Differential grasshoppers serve as an important food source for various wildlife species, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem2. Their natural predators include:

  • Birds
  • Rodents
  • Spiders
  • Other insects

Pest Management and Control

Detection and Monitoring

To effectively manage differential grasshoppers, it is crucial to monitor their activity. A common practice is to observe their presence and abundance in the field during daytime, as these grasshoppers are inactive at night 1. Monitoring becomes crucial during spring (April-June) when their eggs hatch 4.

Prevention Methods

Preventing grasshopper outbreaks often involves habitat management strategies. Some examples of these strategies include:

  • Encouraging natural enemies like predators and parasites
  • Maintaining a diverse plant community to reduce the overall impact of grasshoppers on a single plant species
  • Rotating grazing livestock to prevent overgrazing, which can lead to grasshopper population booms

Control Strategies

When local outbreaks occur, grasshopper control usually involves using insecticides or baits 3. Here’s a comparison of insecticides recommended for grasshopper control:

Insecticide Pros Cons
Group 1B Effective against grasshoppers, spider mites, and soybean aphids May have environmental and health risks
Group 3A Generally effective against grasshoppers Can increase spider mite populations
Bifenthrin Controls grasshoppers and spider mites Consult product labels for specific rates

To determine the most suitable insecticide, it is essential to consider factors like environmental impact and side effects on other pests and insects. Remember, grasshoppers are a natural component of grassland ecosystems and can provide benefits like nutrient cycling and food supply for wildlife [^5^]. Therefore, the control strategy must strike a balance between controlling the pest and preserving the natural ecosystem. 1:https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/30320505/grasshopper/Extras/PDFs/Species%20Fact%20Sheets/Differen.pdf[^4^]:https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/grasshopper-control-in-gardens-and-landscapes.html[^3^]:https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/grasshopper-control-in-gardens-small-acreages-5-536/[^5^]:https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/pest-management-research/pmru-docs/grasshopper-ecologymanagement/

Interesting Facts and Features

Grasshopper Swarm Behavior

Differential grasshoppers, like many other grasshopper species, can exhibit swarm behavior. These swarms are formed when nymphs—third instars and older—often move into fields of barley, wheat, and alfalfa by crawling and hopping, following the same direction as a cohesive band 1. Such swarming can lead to damage in crops.

Anatomy and Unique Attributes

Differential grasshoppers display interesting anatomical features. They are:

  • Brown to olive-green in color, with some melanistic (black) individuals 2
  • Up to 1-3/4 inches long
  • Equipped with enlarged hind legs (femora) for jumping, marked with chevron-like black markings
  • Short antennae compared to the long antennae of other grasshoppers
Attribute Differential Grasshopper
Color Brown to olive-green, some melanistic (black)
Size Up to 1-3/4 inches long
Hind leg markings Chevron-like black markings
Antennae length Short

Moreover, the egg masses of these grasshoppers are laid in pods containing 8-30 eggs, deposited in the soil during fall.

To sum up, differential grasshoppers showcase a unique anatomy and swarm behavior, having short antennae, brownish to olive-green color, and laying egg masses in pods.

Footnotes

  1. Texas A&M University – Differential Grasshopper 2 3 4 5
  2. USDA ARS – Differential Grasshopper 2 3
  3. University of Wyoming – Differential Grasshopper 2
  4. Utah State University Extension – Grasshopper Control 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mating Differential Grasshoppers Differential Grasshopper Laying Eggs

 

 

 

Mating Differential Grasshoppers Differential Grasshopper Laying Eggs

 

 

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.

    View all posts
Tags: Grasshopper

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