In a moment that seemed mundane, my brain woke up to more than I may have been ready to take in. I opened the truck door and stepped outside in the Florida heat. My eye instantly caught something yellow and red in the grass, so I stopped short. The Eastern Lubber is now on my radar and feeding my curiosity.
We left Atlanta as the sun was rising and found ourselves in temperatures above 100 just in time for a late lunch. After 7 hours, it takes something startling to distract me from heading straight to the restroom. The bright yellow and red insects at my feet were enough to sidetrack me. I soon learned that three eastern lubbers had greeted me at the doorstep of our cottage. Welcome to Florida in July. Name Email
Florida is home to a diverse range of grasshopper species. While some are native species that play an important role in local ecosystems, others are invasive pests that can cause significant damage to agriculture and landscapes. This article provides an overview of the most frequently spotted grasshoppers in Florida, including details on identification, behavior, habitat, and impact.
There are over 70 grasshopper species found in Florida. Most are relatively small, growing 1-3 inches in length. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, urban areas, wetlands, and beaches. While some species have wings and can fly, others are flightless.
Grasshoppers play an important ecological role, serving as food sources for birds, small mammals, and other predators. Their feeding habits also help recycle plant material. However, high populations of certain species can negatively impact agriculture, landscaping, and natural areas.
Below we’ll explore some of the most common grasshoppers found across Florida ranging from native species to problematic invasive pests.
Native Grasshopper Species
Short-winged Green Grasshopper
The short-winged green grasshopper (Dichromorpha viridis) is a small native species growing to around 0.9-1.2 inches. As the name suggests, these grasshoppers have short wings and a greenish color. They are found in a variety of semi-open habitats, including fields meadows, and woodland edges. These grasshoppers feed on grasses and herbaceous plants.
Ridgeback Grasshopper
Ridgeback grasshoppers (Spharagemon cristatum) are native to Florida’s sandy coastal regions. They have grayish bodies with dark spots, helping them blend into beach environments. Adults reach 0.8-1.4 inches long. These grasshoppers mainly feed on beach vegetation like seaside grass.
Pine Tree Spur-Throat Grasshopper
The pine tree spur-throat grasshopper (Melanoplus punctulatus) lives in pine forests and deciduous woods in Florida. It has a camouflage-like brownish or grayish color. Females reach 1.5-1.8 inches long while males are a bit smaller. As the name suggests, these grasshoppers mainly eat pine needles.
Marbled Grasshopper
Marbled grasshoppers (Spharagemon marmorata) are very common on Florida’s beaches. They are grayish or brownish, often resembling driftwood. This provides camouflage against beach environments. Adults grow 1-1.5 inches long and feed on grasses and herbaceous beach plants.
Invasive Pest Grasshopper Species
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
The Eastern lubber grasshopper (Romalea microptera) is the most infamous grasshopper species in Florida. It is native to the southeastern United States but has become an invasive pest. Lubbers grow huge, reaching 2-3 inches long. They have a colorful yellow and black striped body. Lubbers voraciously feed on crops, trees, shrubs, and other plants, sometimes defoliating them completely.
American Bird Grasshopper
While native to the US, American bird grasshoppers (Schistocerca americana) can reach pest status in Florida. They grow quite large, 1.9-2.7 inches, and are strong fliers. Their diet is broad, including many crops like corn, cotton, and citrus. Outbreaks can be devastating but are sporadic.
Mischievous Bird Grasshopper
A smaller relative of the American bird grasshopper, the mischievous bird grasshopper (Schistocerca damnifica) grows 1-1.8 inches long. It is native to the southeastern states but is an invasive pest in Florida. It feeds on a variety of broadleaf plants and occasionally damages crops.
Obscure Bird Grasshopper
Growing 2-2.6 inches long, obscure bird grasshoppers (Schistocerca obscura) are quite sizable. They are strong fliers and eat many types of vegetation. While native to the eastern US, high populations can damage crops and landscaping.
Differential Grasshopper
The differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is not native to Florida but has invaded from western states. It grows 1-2 inches long and consumes many crops, including alfalfa, cotton, and small grains. This aggressive pest competes with livestock for forage.
Grasshopper Identification
Identifying grasshoppers requires paying attention to details of size, shape, color patterns, wings, antennae, and other features. It often takes examining them up close. Things to note:
-
Body shape: Gracefully slender or more robust? Long/short wings?
-
Color patterns: Spots? Stripes? Camouflage colors?
-
Markings: Any distinct bands, lines, dots, or spots?
-
Legs: Robust or delicate? Short or long?
-
Antennae: Long, short, thread-like, sword-like?
-
Head shape: Rounded or elongated? Slanted face or straight?
-
Behavior: Jumping, flying, crawling? Slow/fast?
Grasshopper Habitats in Florida
Florida’s grasshopper species occupy diverse habitats across the state:
-
Fields & meadows – habited by short-winged green grasshoppers and others
-
Forests – pine tree spur-throats in pine woods; others in deciduous woods
-
Wetlands – elegant grasshoppers and others near marshes and swamps
-
Beaches – marbled grasshoppers and ridgebacks on sandy beaches
-
Urban areas – invasive lubbers and bird grasshoppers
-
Croplands – invasive grasshoppers damaging agricultural fields
-
Roadsides – ridged backs, short-winged greens along roads
-
Coastal areas – seaside grasshoppers frequent dunes and coasts
Grasshopper habitat preferences are often specific, with most species highly adapted to particular environments. For instance, obscure bird grasshoppers inhabit open woodlands while marbled grasshoppers live amid beach vegetation. Learning habitat clues helps correctly identify species.
The Impact of Grasshoppers in Florida
Grasshoppers play an important role in food chains, serving as a food source for Florida’s birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals while also recycling plant material. However, some species have strong negative impacts:
-
Invasive pests like lubbers and bird grasshoppers damage crops and landscaping through voracious feeding.
-
Occasional population explosions of native grasshoppers also damage agriculture and nurseries.
-
Pest grasshoppers compete with livestock for food on rangeland.
-
High grasshopper populations in natural areas can over-tax native plants.
While native species are important components of Florida’s ecosystems, invasive and overpopulated grasshoppers must be managed to reduce ecological and economic harm. Maintaining balance is key.
With over 70 species calling Florida home, grasshoppers are a diverse and fascinating group of insects. Most are small and innocuous, while a few invasive pests can erupt into major problems. Learning to identify common grasshopper species by sight and habitat provides a gateway into understanding Florida’s ecology and managing invasive populations. Careful observation reveals their beauty and complexity.
Not As I Remember
Many who read this will find it old news, but not me. I did not grow up in Florida. My summer escapes brought me to sandy white beaches and comfortable condominiums… isn’t this how all of Florida looks? As life rolls along, we escape our childhood imaginings. Florida is a new place of discovery for me. Guess what, Florida is not just a beach destination. Nature abounds…freely! Every time I return I see or learn something fascinating outside. These 2–4-inch Florida (Eastern) lubbers may be some of the coolest creatures I’ve nearly stepped on.
Don’t be alarmed, they are colorful and large, but they are still just grasshoppers. While they can be found in large groups, especially when they are young, they are not locusts or cicadas. This is not a plague, and they are not here for long periods each year. I am sure Floridians are most likely not as fascinated by these insects as I am. They can devastate plants and citrus crops and for that, I understand the aversion. As for me, right here, right now, I am captivated and keep catching myself studying the grass as it moves under my feet.
The best we can do is embrace these beautiful grasshoppers. They are resistant to most pesticides so just don’t spray. I will do my best not to preach here, but I believe spraying often does more harm than good in most scenarios. Maybe we are alarmed by the so-called pest and forget that the sprays often kill the good with the bad. That certainly is the case with the eastern lubbers. When we spray, we kill bees, their parasitic fly predators, and other necessary insects.
They’re not cicadas. Just Florida’s giant grasshoppers.
FAQ
How do I get rid of lubber grasshoppers in Florida?
You can put them in a bucket with soapy water, or you can spray a variety of grasshopper pesticides to control them,” explained extension agent Tia Silvasy …May 6, 2024
What are the big grasshoppers in Florida?
-
Native to Florida:They are a native species to Florida and the surrounding areas, not an invasive species.
-
Size and Color:Adults can grow up to 4 inches long and come in various colors, including yellow, orange, and black.
-
Life Cycle:They have one generation per year, with adults typically appearing in late summer.
-
Habitat:They prefer low, moist areas for breeding but can be found in various nearby habitats.
-
Diet:They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including ornamental plants, vegetables, and even citrus trees.
-
Defensive Mechanism:When disturbed, they can expel air from their tracheae, producing a hissing sound and sometimes releasing a foul-smelling froth.
-
Nymph Stage:In their nymph stage, they are mostly black with a red or yellow stripe along their back.
-
Pest Status:While not typically dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance to gardeners and farmers due to their ability to damage plants.
Are grasshoppers good or bad for your yard?
Grasshoppers can be the most noticeable and damaging insects to yards and fields. They also are among those most difficult to control, since they are highly mobile. For many reasons, grasshopper populations fluctuate greatly from year to year, and may cause serious damage during periodic outbreaks.
What does a Florida grasshopper look like?
This common Florida grasshopper (Dichromorpha viridis) is frequently seen in grasslands and lawns until October. It’s a species characterized by its slanted face look. The female is longer than the male. The male Short-winged Green Grasshopper is green while the female is brown.
Are there grasshoppers in Florida?
In this article, Wildlife Informer highlights seven common grasshoppers in Florida, providing information on their identification and habits. From the destructive American Bird Grasshopper to the well-known Southern Lubber Grasshopper, this article offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of grasshoppers in the Sunshine State.
Are red-legged grasshoppers common in Florida?
The Southern Red-legged Grasshopper is a common species found in weedy areas in Florida. It is often encountered in disturbed landscapes, such as backyards, and can be a source of conflict for avid gardeners and farmers. This grasshopper goes through two generations per year, which contributes to its high population numbers across the state.