Grasshoppers, a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Orthoptera, encompass a wide array of types and species that inhabit various regions across the globe, from the mesmerizing band-winged grasshoppers, which produce crackling sounds during flight, to the striking cone-headed grasshoppers with distinct cone-shaped bodies.
The different types of grasshoppers exhibit fascinating characteristics.
Also among them are the migratory grasshoppers, renowned for their incredible ability to traverse continents in search of new breeding territories, significantly impacting weather patterns.
In contrast, the pygmy grasshoppers captivate with their diminutive size, some even requiring a microscope for observation.
As we delve into the world of the different types of grasshoppers, their remarkable diversity and intriguing adaptations emerge, offering a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
How Many Grasshoppers Are There?
There are approximately 11,000 known species of grasshoppers in the world.
These prehistoric creatures are regarded as ancient chewing herbivorous insects, and they are found in a variety of habitats, ranging in color from green to olive or brown, and may have yellow or red markings.
In many countries, grasshoppers are serious pests that destroy vegetation, crops, and vegetables, and certain species of short-horned grasshoppers become locusts during certain phases.
The United States alone has about 660 grasshopper species.
Different Types of Grasshoppers
Let’s get started on our blog about different types of grasshoppers.
1. Short-horned Grasshopper
Short-horned grasshoppers are starting our list of different types of grasshoppers.
They belong to the Acrididae family, characterized by their distinctive short yet thick antennae, which exceed the length of their bodies.
In the United States, over 130 species of these grasshoppers can be found, primarily inhabiting the ground, grasslands, and herbaceous plants, with rare sightings on trees.
Female grasshoppers of this type possess a unique 4-valved ovipositor, through which they lay around 100 eggs.
These grasshoppers effectively blend into their grassy surroundings with their coloration ranging from green, black, and tan to brown.
Measuring between 5 mm and 10 cm in length, they boast three pairs of long legs, each equipped with 3-segmented tarsi.
Certain flightless species within this group lack wings, while males employ their front wings to produce sounds that attract females.
2. Slant-Faced Grasshopper
Hyperacanthus brevis, also known as slant-faced grasshoppers, is one of the different types of grasshoppers that derive their name from their characteristic slanted face.
While most species display a noticeable slant, some may have weakly slanted or vertical faces.
These different types of grasshoppers are distinguished by their flat, sword-like antennae and nearly colorless hind wings.
These large, long-horned insects are renowned for their unique appearance.
With a slender body, long legs, and a wide, flat face adorned with large compound eyes on either side, they exhibit a light brown color with darker brown stripes along the sides.
Belonging to the Acridinae family, grasshoppers with slant faces predominantly feed on grasses and plants, although certain species are interested in a wide range of other foods.
Growing between 25-39 mm in length, the females lay eggs in autumn, which hatch in spring.
Slant-faced grasshoppers lack stridulatory pegs and a postural spine, distinguishing them from other subfamilies.
They can be found near wet meadows, prairie remnants, and marshes.
Since they do not form large groups, they generally do not cause significant harm to plants and vegetation.
Two notable species of slant-faced grasshoppers are Metaleptea brevicornis and Syrbula admirabilis.
These different types of grasshoppers are also known for their unique long, curved horns, used in combat with rivals and to attract mates.
Additionally, they possess remarkable jumping abilities, making them a fascinating subject of observation for children.
With short antennae and males sporting bristle-like appendages at the ends of their abdominal segments, they primarily inhabit deserts and arid regions, enduring the harshest and driest conditions.
3. Spur-throated Grasshopper
The spur-throated grasshopper is a common grasshopper species in North America.
It belongs to the Cyrtacanthacridinae family and is known for its cone-like projection between its front legs.
These grasshoppers have a nearly vertical face and often form large swarms, making them easily noticeable.
You can’t believe that they typically reach around 5 inches and come in various colors, ranging from grayish-brown to vibrant shades like green, olive, yellow, and orange. Some species have colorful spots or blotches on their bodies.
With approximately 500 species worldwide, spur-throated grasshoppers inhabit diverse American habitats, including deserts, mountains, forests, and fields.
The female grasshoppers of this group lay a relatively small number of eggs, typically 20 or fewer.
These eggs are deposited directly on the ground, where the female guards them during winter.
The eggs hatch in spring or early summer, and the young nymphs undergo five metamorphoses to reach adulthood.
The best part is that these grasshoppers are commonly found in open areas.
While some species exhibit migratory behavior, others can be destructive, consuming vegetation without sparing any in their path.
4. Band-winged Grasshopper
Band-winged grasshoppers, specifically from the family Oedipodinae, are known for producing cracking sounds while flying.
Only male band-winged grasshoppers create these sounds using a row of pegs on their hind legs.
These grasshoppers have a vertical face and a pointed posterior edge.
Their wings display various beautiful colors that are usually hidden while at rest, allowing them to blend in with the grass.
However, some species have regular brown or green colors, while others have clear wings.
Many band-winged grasshoppers use their vibrant wing colors to startle and confuse predators when threatened.
They can be identified by the sharp median ridge located on their dorsal surface, just below the head.
These different grasshoppers can be found in xeric weedy fields; some species are considered important locusts.
They typically measure 36-55 mm in length. Locusta migratoria and Chortophaga viridifasciata are notable species that inhabit the savannas of northern South America and northern Brazil at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1500 m.
They are commonly found in grassy fields, forest clearings, or at the edges of clearings in the forest.
The mating behavior of male band-winged grasshoppers is unusual and involves a courtship dance, a behavior typically seen in more evolved animals.
5. Long-horned Grasshopper
Long-horned grasshoppers belong to the family Tettigoniidae, which consists of nearly 6000 species.
These different types of grasshoppers are characterized by their long, thin antennae that are longer than their bodies.
A distinguishing feature of long-horned grasshoppers is an auditory organ called the “Tympanum,” located on the front leg’s tibia region.
Female members of the species have a laterally compressed ovipositor.
Most long-horned grasshoppers are green, allowing them to blend in with vegetation.
While many species are herbivores and feed on plants, some are predators.
Male tettigoniidae produce unique songs by rubbing their wings together. Females lay their eggs on the leaves and stems of plants.
The Tettigoniidae family comprises several subfamilies, with the most common ones including.
6. Cone-headed Grasshopper
Cone-headed grasshoppers are found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
They have a distinctive cone-shaped body, with the base black and the top and sides tan.
The body of cone-headed grasshoppers is mostly covered in short, brown hairs, but the head and neck are hairless.
The front part of their cone-shaped body functions as a snorkel, while the back part is used for breathing.
7. Meadow Grasshopper
Meadow grasshoppers are also one of the different types of grasshoppers which belong to the subfamily Conocephalinae and can be identified by their relatively large head and reddish or yellow-orange eyes.
They have grayish-brown spots encircling their eyes, and females possess a sword-like ovipositor with upward curves.
These grasshoppers are typically around 1 inch long and appear more robust than other species.
While their bodies are primarily green or olive, the top surface and wings may have shades of brown or gray.
Male meadow grasshoppers produce distinct songs resembling high-pitched buzzing.
They are commonly found near poorly maintained ponds, meadows, lakes, and grassy areas.
Meadow grasshoppers primarily feed on leaves and other plant materials, although some species also scavenge on various organic matter.
Examples of meadow grasshopper species include Chorthippus parallelus and Orchelimum sp.
8. Migratory Grasshopper
Migratory grasshoppers are a fascinating and sometimes troublesome species found in various parts of the world, including the United States.
They are known for their ability to travel long distances in search of new breeding regions.
Migratory grasshoppers, hoppers, locusts, or leapers, belong to the family Acrididae.
They are considered short-horned grasshoppers from a scientific standpoint. Their migrations are massive and can have significant impacts.
In fact, these different types of grasshoppers cross continents during spring and fall, numbering in the billions.
The scale of their migration can even influence weather patterns, leading to rainfall and potentially causing tornadoes in certain areas.
Interestingly, migratory grasshoppers are the first species to arrive each spring.
They are widely distributed and can be found in various parts of the world. Their migrations span thousands of miles a year, sometimes aided by wind patterns.
9. Pygmy Grasshopper
Ending our list, Pygmy grasshoppers, also known as short-horned grasshoppers, are a fascinating species of insect found in various regions of the United States.
They belong to the family Orthoptera and are known for their small size, although they are not the smallest grasshoppers.
Most pygmy grasshopper species are less than an inch long, and some are so tiny that they can only be seen under a microscope.
They are often called collared grasshoppers due to the dark scales forming collars on their necks.
These different types of grasshoppers are the smallest grasshopper in the world, measuring only about half an inch in length. They have a brownish coloration and large eyes.
Pygmy grasshoppers inhabit desert environments and have the remarkable ability to survive for long periods without water.
Despite their small size, pygmy grasshoppers exhibit unique jumping and leaping abilities, distinguishing them from other grasshopper species that primarily move by crawling.
And the best part, these grasshoppers can be found in various habitats and climates across the United States, including grassy fields, forests, and deserts.
They are known for their prolific populations, often congregating in large numbers within a given area.
Conclusion
Grasshoppers are diverse insects with various types and characteristics.
Each type exhibits unique features and behaviors from the band-winged grasshoppers that produce crackling sounds while flying to the cone-headed grasshoppers with distinctive cone-shaped bodies.
Migratory grasshoppers stand out for their remarkable ability to travel across continents, impacting weather patterns along their vast migrations.
On the other end of the spectrum, pygmy grasshoppers captivate with their miniature size, some being so tiny they require a microscope to observe.
These different types of grasshoppers demonstrate remarkable adaptations and play important roles in ecosystems while fascinating observers with their wide range of shapes, colors, and behaviors.
