Do Grasshoppers Eat Grass? Uncovering the Truth Behind Their Diet

Grasshoppers are insects known for their ability to consume a variety of plant material. Often found in fields, gardens, and meadows, they can be seen jumping from plant to plant, devouring leaves and stems.

These insects are not picky eaters, as they have a broad host range, consuming at least 100 species of plants from 38 plant families, which include shrubs, herbs, broadleaf weeds, and grasses. Though grasshoppers eat grass, they also cause damage to other types of vegetation by creating irregular holes in leaves before moving on to the next plant.

Grasshopper populations can vary from year to year, with severe outbreaks typically occurring every 8 to 10 years. During these times, they can cause significant damage to plants, including grasslands and agricultural crops.

Grasshoppers and Their Diet

Herbivores and What They Eat

Grasshoppers are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant matter. Adult grasshoppers primarily eat grass, leaves, and flowers. Some examples of plants they consume include:

• Grass
• Alfalfa
• Clover
• Wheat

Aphids and Protein Intake

However, grasshoppers are not strictly herbivorous. Some types of grasshoppers occasionally prey on small insects like aphids for an additional source of protein. These grasshoppers can be omnivorous, with their diet including both plant and animal matter.

Here is a comparison table of herbivorous and omnivorous grasshoppers:

Grasshoppers’ eating habits change during their life stages. Nymphs and larvae focus on tender plant parts, whereas adults eat tougher plant parts.

In conclusion, most grasshoppers mainly eat grass and other plant matter, but some species also consume insects such as aphids to supplement their protein intake. Their diet and feeding habits can vary depending on their life stage and specific ecological niche.

Feeding on Grasses and Plants

Preference for Leafy Greens

Grasshoppers are known to feed on a variety of plants, but they have a preference for leafy greens. Some of their favorites include:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Clover
• Dandelions

Grasshoppers can cause significant damage to garden plants, especially when they are present in large numbers¹.

Consumption of Fruit and Grains

In addition to leafy greens, grasshoppers also consume fruits, grains, and other plant parts. Their diet can extend to:

• Seeds
• Fruits like berries
• Stems
• Flowers
• Crops such as corn, wheat, and barley²

Here is a comparison table of grasshoppers’ dietary preferences:

While grasshoppers consume various types of plants, they can also play a helpful role in controlling weeds³. However, their feeding habits can become problematic for farmers and gardeners when these insects appear in large numbers.

Grasshoppers and Agriculture

Impact on Crop Production

Grasshoppers are known to have a significant impact on agriculture as they feed on various crops. They can reduce the quality and quantity of forage that is produced, which affects ranchers’ ability to use pastures effectively for grazing¹. Grasshoppers consume up to 50% of their body weight every day in forage¹, making their impact on crops even more severe. Some of the crops affected by grasshoppers include:

• Barley
• Corn
• Wheat
• Cotton
• Rice

These insects can also devour plants found in gardens, such as tomatoes and squash³.

Control Methods

There are various techniques to combat grasshoppers’ impact on agriculture. These methods include:

• Chemical control: The use of insecticides such as pyrethroid or organophosphates can help control grasshopper populations².
• Biological control: Introducing natural predators like birds and spiders can help reduce grasshopper numbers.
• Physical barriers: Installing row covers and screens can protect valuable plants³. However, grasshoppers are known to eat through most fabric screens, making aluminum window screens the best option³.
• Irrigation: Keeping vegetation in surrounding areas green can deter grasshoppers from invading gardens³.

Toxic and Resistant Plant Varieties

Some plants contain toxic compounds or possess resistant characteristics that can deter grasshoppers from feeding on them. Examples of toxic plants include:

• Lupines
• Milkweed

Despite these tactics, grasshoppers remain one of the most difficult insects to control due to their high mobility⁴.

Grasshopper Life Cycle and Eating Habits

Eating as Nymphs, Adults, and Baby Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers begin their life cycle as eggs buried in the soil. After hatching in mid-to-late spring, they emerge as nymphs and start feeding immediately ^(1). Baby grasshoppers, called nymphs, look similar to adults, but have underdeveloped wings.

• Nymphs: These young grasshoppers feed voraciously on plants.
• Adults: Fully developed grasshoppers continue to eat a large amount of vegetation.

Nymphs and adults have a variety of predators, including mice, frogs, and lizards.

Seasonal Feeding Patterns

Grasshoppers are active during the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall. They feed on a wide range of plants, including grass, trees, and shrubs.

During these seasons, grasshoppers can cause significant damage to plants, sometimes completely stripping the foliage from entire gardens ^(5). However, their feeding patterns may vary based on specific seasonal factors, such as temperature and plant availability.

Defensive Measures for Gardens

Using Ornamental and Landscape Plants

There are several plants that can help repel grasshoppers from your garden. Some examples include:

• Dianthus: This flowering plant is known to be less appealing to grasshoppers due to its strong scent.
• Lilac: Grasshoppers tend to avoid lilac bushes, making them a great addition to your garden for protection.
• Forsythia: This bright yellow flowering shrub can help deter grasshoppers from feasting on your other plants.

Other plants that can help protect your garden from grasshoppers include crepe myrtle, moss rose, verbena, salvia, lantana, juniper, artemisia, and jasmine. Planting these species around the border of your garden can create a natural barrier against grasshoppers.

In addition to ornamental plants, some vegetable plants like squash and peas tend to be less attractive to grasshoppers and could be used strategically.

Natural Predators for Grasshopper Control

Introducing natural predators can help control grasshopper populations in your garden. Some of the most effective predators include:

• Birds: Species like sparrows, crows, and grackles love feasting on grasshoppers, making them valuable allies in your fight against these pests.
• Flies: The larvae of certain fly species, such as the tachinid fly, can combat grasshopper populations by parasitizing the grasshopper eggs.
• Snakes: Species like garter snakes are known to prey on grasshoppers and can help keep their populations in check.

By combining ornamental and landscape plants that deter grasshoppers with an encouraging environment for their natural predators, you’ll create a robust defense against these hungry insects.

Unique Eating Behaviors

Cannibalism Among Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are known for their cannibalistic tendencies. When food sources become scarce, they resort to eating each other to survive. Here are some quick facts:

• Cannibalism is more likely when grasshoppers congregate in large numbers, such as in swarms of locusts.
• Larger grasshoppers often eat smaller ones as a way to gain nutrition and maintain their body weight.

For example, a grasshopper under stress may consume a smaller one that strays too close, ensuring its own survival.

Comparison to Crickets and Other Insects

Grasshoppers and crickets belong to the same order, Orthoptera. However, their eating habits differ. Here’s a comparison table:

In comparison to other insects like mosquitoes, grasshoppers exhibit a more varied diet. Mosquitoes solely feed on blood or nectar, while grasshoppers eat plant-based foods and may also consume other insects.

When discussing other non-insect organisms, grasshoppers can be likened to animals that eat nuts or sand as additional sources of nutrition. For example, some rodents consume nuts as part of their diet, while certain birds ingest sand to help with digestion.

Pros and Cons of Grasshoppers’ Diet

Some advantages and disadvantages of grasshoppers’ eating habits include:

Pros:

• Grasshoppers help control weed populations by consuming unwanted plants.
• Their diverse diet allows them to survive in various environments.

Cons:

• During a food shortage, grasshoppers resort to cannibalism and may…dispose of their companions.
• In large numbers, they can cause significant damage to crops and vegetation.

In summary, grasshoppers exhibit unique eating behaviors, including occasional cannibalism, and have a varied diet in comparison to other insects like crickets and mosquitoes.