Subject: What’s Eating my Woody Plant?
Location: Mount Washington, Los Angeles, CA
July 8, 2017 6:47 PM
I have several woody plants in my garden and I am very concerned with them being eaten by insects. What is this on my plant?
Signature: Constant Gardener
Dear Constant Gardener,
This is a very young Grasshopper nymph and considering your location, we suspect it is a hatchling Gray Bird Grasshopper. Though this nymph is quite small, adult Gray Bird Grasshoppers get quite large, with a wingspan well over four inches. According to BugGuide, they feed upon: “Apparently a wide variety of plants” and “Apparently overwintering primarily as eggs, hatching over an extended season from spring to late summer (perhaps hatching is related to rainfall events?), and maturing from late spring till late summer or early autumn. Some adults overwinter, and perhaps nymphs too (?).” There appears to be a notch chewed off the leaf upon which this little Grasshopper is resting, which is a good indication it is feeding off your “Woody Plant”. Since Gray Bird Grasshoppers are not limited to a single plant species as food, you can probably safely relocate this individual if you are concerned about your “Woody Plant” being eaten.
Facebook Comment from Jennifer
LOL…. all I see is pot! lol
oh wait… now I see it! lol
Facebook Comment from Michael
I know, they keep saying that. I’m like, damn, just grow some balls and say marijuana.
I think he meant “stoney plant”. ???
What’s That Bug? is committed to helping all gardeners identify what they find on their plants, whether those plants are woody or not. We are happy we amused you.