Entomology Grasshopers

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Grasshopper Species

108 species of short-horned grasshoppers known in Nebraska as of 2008.

Tegmen

The forewing of a grasshopper.

Hind femur

The thigh segment of a grasshopper's leg.

Habitat

The natural environment where a species lives, such as grasslands or forests.

Green Fool Grasshopper

Acrolophitus hirtipes; green in color, found in dry grasslands.

Economic Importance

The impact a species has on the economy, such as being a pest or beneficial.

Differential Grasshopper

Melanoplus differentialis; known for causing serious damage to crops.

Striped Grasshopper

Amphitornus coloradus; occurs in moderate densities, with a boldly striped appearance.

Yellowish Spur-throat Grasshopper

Melanoplus flavidus; yellowish with a blue hind tibia, found in sandy grasslands.

Great Basin Grasshopper

Trimerotropis sparsa; a pale gray species found in adobe flats and badlands.

Russianthistle Grasshopper

Aeoloplides turnbulli; beneficial species with a diet of Chenopodiaceae plants.

Whitewhiskers Grasshopper

Ageneotettix deorum; a major rangeland pest, brown with whitish antennae.

Striped Sand Grasshopper

Melanoplus foedus; orange-brown with two distinct pallid stripes, found in sandy grasslands.

Salt Creek Grasshopper

Trimerotropis salina; light brown to gray-brown, feeds on saltgrass.

Ecological Zones

Different regions in Nebraska that influence grasshopper diversity based on precipitation and habitats.

Color Variation in Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers can have various color patterns, including green, yellow, and brown, which help them camouflage in their environments.

Body Segmentation

Grasshoppers have segmented bodies made up of the head, thorax, and abdomen, each serving distinct functions.

Wing Morphology

Grasshopper wings vary in size and shape, often reflecting their flight capabilities and ecological niches.

Size and Length

Grasshopper species vary significantly in size, with some ranging from 1 inch to over 4 inches in length.

Antennal Structure

Grasshoppers have long, slender antennae that are critical for sensing their environment.

Leg Adaptations

Grasshoppers possess powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, essential for escaping predators.

Mimicry and Camouflage

Some grasshopper species exhibit mimicry and camouflage to avoid predation by resembling their surroundings.