As a Texas resident, you’ve likely encountered grasshoppers hopping through your yard or garden at some point. Texas is home to a wide variety of grasshopper species due to its diverse habitats ranging from pine forests to deserts. While the sight of these insects can be startling, most grasshopper species are harmless and some are even considered beneficial. This article will provide an overview of the most common grasshopper species found in the Lone Star State.
Grasshoppers are a type of insect belonging to the order Orthoptera, which also includes crickets and katydids. There are over 11,000 known grasshopper species worldwide. Grasshoppers have long hind legs designed for jumping, short antennae, and two pairs of wings which allow them to fly. They feed on grasses, leaves, and other plant material.
Most grasshopper species go through three stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult. Eggs are laid in the fall and hatch the following summer. Nymphs, which resemble small wingless adults, go through five molts over 4-6 weeks before reaching full maturity. Adults live for several more weeks focused mainly on reproduction.
While some grasshopper species can become agricultural pests in large numbers, most are insignificant to humans and help recycle plant material. A few species are even kept as pets.
Common Grasshopper Species in Texas
The most widespread and notable grasshopper species found in the state are highlighted below:
Differential Grasshopper
The differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is among the most common species in Texas and can be identified by its brownish-green color and yellow hind legs marked with black spines It inhabits grasslands and weedy areas and occasionally damages crops and gardens.
Lubber Grasshoppers
Texas is home to two large, flightless lubber species the eastern lubber (Romalea microptera) and the horse lubber (Taeniopoda eques). These grasshoppers have short wings and a stocky build. The eastern lubber is up to 3 inches long and varies from yellow to brown or green. The horse lubber is identified by its pink and black color pattern. Both secrete a foul, foamy spray as a defense.
Bird Grasshoppers
Several “bird grasshopper” species in the genus Schistocerca are found across Texas. These are larger grasshoppers generally green, brown, or yellow with some black patterning. Examples include the American bird grasshopper (S. americana) and the gray bird grasshopper (S. nitens). They are common in open environments like grasslands, fields, and deserts
Pygmy Grasshoppers
Texas is home to dozens of tiny pygmy grasshopper species that measure under 0.5 inch long. The Mexican pygmy grasshopper (Paratettix mexicanus) is one widespread example. These minute insects blend into leaf litter and short grasses where they live year-round.
Spur-Throated Grasshoppers
Spur-throated grasshoppers belong to the subfamily Melanoplinae and have a spine between their front legs. The pallid-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis pallidipennis) and the ponderous spur-throat grasshopper (Melanoplus ponderosus) are two common examples. They inhabit dry, open environments.
Short-Horned Grasshoppers
Most grasshoppers have short antennae, including the short-horned species in the subfamily Gomphocerinae. The green-striped grasshopper (Chortophaga viridifasciata) and the two-striped grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus) are widespread short-horned grasshoppers in Texas.
Band-Winged Grasshoppers
Band-winged grasshoppers in the subfamily Oedipodinae have brightly colored hind wings with dark edges. The rainbow grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor) is a showy black species with red-and-yellow wing markings. The clear-winged grasshopper (Camnula pellucida) has translucent hind wings with reddish veins.
When and Where to Find Grasshoppers in Texas
Grasshoppers can be found across all regions of Texas in a variety of habitats. They are most active and abundant during the warmest months from early summer through fall. Short-horned and spur-throated species emerge first starting in June, followed by band-winged grasshoppers in July and August. Lingering warm weather may extend the grasshopper season into November or later some years.
The best places to spot grasshoppers are open, sunny environments with bare ground and low vegetation. Watch for them hopping through grassy fields, meadows, roadsides, vacant lots, gardens, and other locations with herbaceous plants. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to observe them while basking and feeding.
Slow, stealthy movements will allow you to get a closer look at grasshoppers to identify them. Focus on their size, color patterns, wings, antennae, legs, and behavior. Photography is helpful for documenting the amazing diversity found even within a small area.
Benefits and Problems Caused by Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers play an important ecological role as prey for birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. Their feeding recycles nutrients back into the soil. Most species do not impact human interests, and many are quite small and unnoticeable.
However, a few species occasionally outbreak in Texas and become significant agricultural and garden pests. High grasshopper populations can quickly strip leaves and devour plants. The differential and red-legged grasshoppers are most prone to outbreaks.
Lubber grasshoppers are frequent nuisance invaders of gardens and yards. The eastern lubber in particular is known for damaging citrus trees and vegetable plants. Homeowners may resort to insecticide sprays when infestations occur near the home.
The good news is that grasshopper numbers naturally fluctuate, so outbreaks are usually temporary. Their predators help keep populations in check during normal years.
From tiny species barely half an inch long to large lubber grasshoppers, Texas hosts an impressive diversity of these hopping insects. Getting to know your local species is enjoyable and important for assessing any problems they may cause. Grasshoppers may startle you at first, but most are harmless and even beneficial. If you take time to observe them, you’ll discover their behaviors are captivating and they are fundamental parts of a healthy ecosystem.
Order Homoptera: (same wings)
Wingless or winged. Winged ones have 2 pairs of wings. Piercing and sucking mouthparts. Includes Cicadas, Leaf Hoppers, Aphids
Leafhoppers. Leafhoppers are slender insects that suck plant sap. They are good jumpers. Most are green but some are multicolored. Up to 7 mm.
Cicadas. Large insect commonly heard buzzing in treetops in the heat of summer. Emerges from nymph stage, leaving nymph skin stuck to trees. Adult females lay eggs on twigs; eggs hatch; nymph drops to ground and burrows. In Texas, nymph lives underground for one to up to 13 years, depending on species before emerging, crawling up trees and repeating cycle. Up to 50 mm.
Most have a triangular plate on the back. 2 pairs of wings: hind wings are membranous, while the basal half of the forewings is hardened. Includes Stinkbug, Water boatman, Water strider
Stinkbug. Their odor comes from glands on the thorax. The smell does not bother birds, which often eat them. Up to 20 mm.
2 pairs of long, narrow membranous wings that are roughly equal in size. Large eyes. Long, narrow abdomens. Chewing mouthparts Includes Dragonflies, Damselflies
Damselfly. Often seen near ponds and wet areas. They lay eggs in the water and the nymphs develop there for approximately two years. They are delicate and rest with their wings held together above their bodies. Up to 50 mm.
Order Diptera: (“two wings”)
Only one pair of membranous wings. Includes Flies, Mosquitoes, Gnats
Fly. Flies can be beneficial as pollinators, parasites of pests, an food for other animals. Some can be serious pests that transmit disease. Up to 9 mm.
Mosquito. Adult mosquitoes feed on nectar and ripe fruit. However, females also feed on the blood of animals. (Some mosquitoes transmit diseases like Saint Louis encephalitis & malaria) Up to 5 mm.
Super Rare Levitating Texas Grasshopper first time ever recorded
FAQ
Why are there so many grasshoppers in Texas right now?
Biology. Generally only one generation of grasshoppers is produced each year; however cool, dry weather during the spring months and the successive emergences of different grasshopper species can result in a seemingly endless procession of these insects throughout the summer and fall months.
How long is grasshopper season in Texas?
The adults of grasshopper species that damage crops become numerous in mid-July and deposit eggs from late July through fall. Usually only one genera- tion of grasshoppers is produced each year. Grasshoppers have many natural enemies that help control their populations.
What kind of grasshoppers are in Texas?
- Common Name: Grasshopper. …
- There are a number of grasshopper species common in Texas, including: the redlegged grasshopper, Melanoplus femurrubrum (DeGeer); the white-whiskered grasshopper, Ageneotettix deorum (Scudder), the bigheaded grasshopper, Aulocara elliotti (Thomas).
How to get rid of Texas grasshoppers?
Spray a natural insecticide: If your grasshopper numbers are still out of control, you can spray an organic pesticide like neem oil directly on nymphs or your …Sep 24, 2021