South Carolina’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect home for a wide variety of grasshoppers.
From forests to fields, these fascinating insects can be found throughout the state, adding their distinctive chirping sounds to summer evenings.
With their remarkable jumping abilities and important ecological roles, grasshoppers deserve a closer look.
South Carolina is home to approximately 56 different grasshopper species, including the common Carolina Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina) and the Green-legged Grasshopper that typically measures 1 to 1.5 inches long.
These members of the Orthoptera order vary in size, coloration, and habitat preferences, making grasshopper identification an interesting challenge for nature enthusiasts.
Grasshopper populations in South Carolina include both beneficial and occasionally problematic species. While some grasshoppers like the Carolina Grasshopper can be mistaken for butterflies due to their dramatic wing flapping during flight, others like members of the Melanoplus genus blend perfectly into their surroundings with brown to green coloration. Understanding these differences helps both gardeners and wildlife observers appreciate these remarkable insects.
Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis)
The Differential Grasshopper is one of the common grasshopper species found in South Carolina. This member of the Acrididae family measures about 1-1.5 inches long, making it one of the larger grasshoppers in the region.
Identification of this species is relatively straightforward. Differential Grasshoppers typically have a yellowish-brown or olive-green body with distinctive black chevron-shaped markings on their hind legs. Males are usually smaller than females.
These grasshoppers are considered agricultural pests in many areas. They have hearty appetites and can consume large amounts of vegetation, potentially damaging crops when their populations increase.
Habitat & Distribution:
- Found throughout central United States
- Present in southern Ontario, Canada
- Extends into northern Mexico
- Common throughout South Carolina
The Differential Grasshopper plays an important role in ecosystem dynamics despite its pest status. It serves as food for many predators including birds, reptiles, and other insects, forming a vital link in local food chains.
During summer months, these grasshoppers are most active during daylight hours. They prefer open habitats such as fields, meadows, and agricultural areas where vegetation is abundant.
The species name “differentialis” refers to the distinctive patterns that help separate it from similar grasshopper species. Its scientific classification places it in the genus Melanoplus, which contains numerous grasshopper species found across North America.
American Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca americana)
The American Bird Grasshopper is one of the largest grasshopper species found in South Carolina. Adults typically measure between 1.8-2.2 inches (4.5-5.5 cm) in length, making them quite impressive when spotted.
These grasshoppers display a distinctive appearance with a red to orange-brown coloration. They can be easily identified by their yellow dorsal line that runs down their back, along with various dark spots and white lines throughout their body.
Habitat & Distribution
- Native to South Carolina and the eastern United States
- Also found in Mexico and the Bahamas
- Prefers grassy areas and agricultural lands
Despite being native to South Carolina, American Bird Grasshoppers are sometimes considered pests. They can cause damage to crops during occasional population outbreaks.
These insects are often mistakenly called locusts when their numbers increase dramatically. However, they lack the true swarming behavior associated with actual locusts.
American Bird Grasshoppers can fly over impressive distances, which contributes to their ability to spread across wide areas. Their strong flying capability is also reflected in their name – “Bird Grasshopper.”
When disturbed, these grasshoppers will typically fly away rather than jump, unlike many other grasshopper species. Their flight pattern can be quite rapid and direct, helping them escape potential predators.
Carolina Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina)
The Carolina grasshopper is one of North America’s largest grasshopper species. It’s easily recognizable by its impressive size and colorful wings.
When disturbed, these grasshoppers display striking black wings with yellow borders during flight. Males have a wingspan of about 3 inches, while females are larger with wingspans reaching 3½ to 4 inches.
Habitat & Distribution:
- Weedy grasslands
- Blowouts and field margins
- Roadside areas
- Railway cuttings
- Disturbed rangeland
- Areas with bare ground
The Carolina grasshopper has earned several nicknames including “black-winged grasshopper,” “road-duster,” and “quaker” due to its distinctive appearance and behaviors.
These grasshoppers are often spotted flying over dirt roads and bare ground. Their habit of frequently taking flight makes them quite noticeable compared to other grasshopper species.
Interesting Behavior: Males perform courtship displays by hovering about 3 feet above the ground. They produce crackling sounds with their wings during these aerial performances to attract females.
Carolina grasshoppers belong to the subfamily Oedipodinae. They play an important role in their ecosystems by consuming various plants and serving as food for birds and other predators.
Despite their large size, they’re generally not considered major agricultural pests. They prefer weedy areas rather than cultivated crops, making them less problematic for farmers than some other grasshopper species.
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera)
The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper is one of the most recognizable grasshoppers found in South Carolina. This large, colorful insect belongs to the family Romaleidae and is the only species in the Romalea genus.
These grasshoppers are hard to miss due to their impressive size and bright coloration. Adult lubbers can grow up to 3 inches long, making them among the largest grasshoppers in the southeastern United States.
Physical Characteristics:
- Large body (up to 3 inches)
- Bright yellow, orange, or red coloration
- Black markings across the body
- Short, stubby wings (unable to fly)
- Thick, heavy body
Despite having wings, Eastern Lubbers cannot fly. Their scientific name “microptera” actually means “small wings,” reflecting this limitation.
The Eastern Lubber’s diet consists of various plants. They eat leaves by creating irregular holes in vegetation and can quickly damage garden plants if present in large numbers.
These grasshoppers have interesting defense mechanisms. When threatened, they may spread their wings, hiss, and secrete a foul-smelling foam. This foam is toxic to many predators, helping the grasshopper survive despite its slow movement.
The life cycle of the Eastern Lubber includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in the soil that hatch the following spring. Young nymphs are mostly black with yellow or red stripes, looking quite different from adults.
In South Carolina, lubbers are typically found in open pine forests, weedy fields, and gardens. They prefer moist habitats but can adapt to various environments throughout the southeastern region.
Two-Striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus)
The Two-striped Grasshopper is a relatively large species, measuring between 30 to 55 mm in length. Its most distinctive feature is a pair of pale yellow stripes that run from above its eyes to the tips of its wings, giving it its common name.
This grasshopper typically has a yellowish-green coloration throughout its body, created by a combination of chromoprotein and carotenoids. The bright coloring makes it easy to spot in grassy fields and agricultural areas.
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 30-55 mm
- Color: Yellowish-green body
- Distinctive feature: Two pale yellow stripes along body
- Body type: Robust and large
The Two-striped Grasshopper is one of the largest species in the genus Melanoplus. It’s often found alongside the Differential Grasshopper (M. differentialis), another large grasshopper species.
When population densities increase, these grasshoppers can develop longer wings and slimmer bodies. These adaptations make them better suited for flight compared to solitary individuals living in low-density populations.
In regions where its range approaches that of Melanoplus thomasi, identification becomes important. While M. thomasi displays bright blue-green coloration with red hind femurs and tibiae, the Two-striped Grasshopper never shows this coloration pattern where the species’ territories meet.
This grasshopper is found across various parts of North America, including South Carolina, where it can be commonly observed in grasslands and agricultural settings during summer months.
Red-Legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum)
The Red-Legged Grasshopper is one of the most common grasshopper species found in South Carolina. As its name suggests, this insect has distinctive red legs that help identify it among other grasshopper species.
These grasshoppers typically measure between 1-1.5 inches in length. They have a brownish body with variable patterns and the characteristic red hind legs that give them their name. Males are usually smaller than females.
The Red-Legged Grasshopper is widespread throughout North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In South Carolina, they can be found in various habitats, particularly in fields, meadows, and agricultural areas.
Diet and Behavior:
- Feeds primarily on plants and crops
- Consumes grasses, grains, and various vegetation
- Can form swarms that may damage agricultural fields
Scientists often use these grasshoppers as model organisms in research due to their abundance and their responses to climate changes. This makes them valuable for ecological studies.
Unfortunately, Red-Legged Grasshoppers are considered agricultural pests in South Carolina and many other regions. When they swarm, they can seriously damage crops like soybeans, alfalfa, wheat, and barley.
The life cycle of these grasshoppers includes egg, nymph, and adult stages. They typically lay eggs in the soil during late summer and fall, which then hatch the following spring.
Short-Winged Green Grasshopper (Dichromorpha viridis)
The Short-winged Green Grasshopper is a common species found throughout South Carolina. As its name suggests, this grasshopper typically has very short forewings, though long-winged individuals do occasionally occur.
These grasshoppers measure between 0.5-1 inch (14-30 mm) in length. The most distinctive feature is their slanted face that angles upward, giving them their classification among the “slant-faced grasshoppers.”
Physical Characteristics:
- Length: 0.5-1 inch (14-30 mm)
- Face: Slanted upward
- Wings: Typically short (especially in females)
- Two pronotal sulci (grooves on thorax)
Color varies significantly between sexes. Males usually display green on their upper surface with brown sides, or sometimes light brown upper surface with darker brown sides. Females are typically larger than males and often uniform in color – either entirely green or brown.
Short-winged green grasshoppers prefer habitats with short grass throughout South Carolina. This makes lawns, parks, and maintained fields ideal places to spot them.
Their active season extends through summer and into fall in South Carolina. These grasshoppers are particularly visible during warm months when they’re most active in grassy areas.
Look for their distinctive angular face and short wings to identify them correctly. Despite their name, color alone isn’t always a reliable identifier since they can appear in both green and brown forms.
Obscure Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca obscura)
The Obscure Bird Grasshopper is one of the largest grasshopper species found in South Carolina. Despite its name suggesting it might be hard to spot, this insect is quite noticeable due to its impressive size.
Adult females can reach a remarkable 2-2.5 inches (50-65 mm) in length, while males are slightly smaller at 1.4-1.8 inches (36-45 mm). This size makes them stand out among other grasshopper species in the state.
These grasshoppers display distinctive coloration with brownish-green wings that are long and slender. Their body color varies from brown to green, helping them blend into their natural habitats.
In South Carolina, you can find Obscure Bird Grasshoppers in:
- Fields
- Open forests
- Grassy areas
The peak activity period for these insects is from August to October. During this time, they are most visible and active in their preferred environments.
This species belongs to the Acrididae family and is part of the Schistocerca genus, commonly known as bird grasshoppers. Their range extends beyond South Carolina, spanning from Maryland south to Florida and west to Arizona.
Like other grasshoppers, they primarily feed on vegetation. Their large size allows them to consume substantial amounts of plant material, making them noticeable to gardeners and farmers when present in significant numbers.
Pine Barrens Grasshopper (Chortophaga viridifasciata)
The Pine Barrens Grasshopper, also known as the Green-striped Grasshopper, is a common species found throughout South Carolina. Despite its name, this insect is actually more widely known as the Green-striped Grasshopper (Chortophaga viridifasciata).
These grasshoppers display noticeable color variation. They typically appear in bright, grassy green with pinkish-brown markings on their legs and head. Adults range in length from 1-1.5 inches (23-38 mm).
The species prefers to inhabit relatively moist areas with short grass, such as roadsides and hay meadows. In South Carolina, they can sometimes be found in pine trees, which explains their alternative name.
There are two recognized subspecies:
- C. viridifasciata viridifasciata: Northern green-striped grasshopper
- C. viridifasciata australior: Southern green-striped grasshopper
The geographical range of these grasshoppers is extensive. They can be found throughout North America from British Columbia to the Gulf of Mexico, primarily east of the Rocky Mountains. Their range extends south through Mexico to Costa Rica.
In South Carolina, these grasshoppers are active during warm months. They feed primarily on grasses and can occasionally be found in agricultural areas.
Identification tip: Look for their distinctive green stripes against their body color and listen for the soft crackling sound males make during flight to attract females.
Spur-Throated Grasshopper (Melanoplus spp. – Various Species)
The Spur-throated Grasshopper is one of the most common grasshopper types found across South Carolina. These insects belong to the genus Melanoplus, which includes hundreds of species throughout North America.
Spur-throated grasshoppers are known for their distinctive appearance. They typically come in yellow, orange, or green colors with additional shades of brown or red. Some specimens display spectacular coloration with bands, spots, or blotches covering their bodies.
Physical Characteristics:
- Short antennae
- Distinctive spur between front legs (gives them their name)
- Size ranges from 1-2 inches in length
- Females typically larger than males
These grasshoppers have interesting reproductive habits. The female lays up to 20 eggs directly into the soil, where they remain dormant through winter months before hatching in spring.
Melanoplus grasshoppers serve an important ecological function. They inhabit fields, cities, suburbs, and open woods throughout South Carolina, providing a crucial food source for birds like kestrels and hawks, as well as skunks, snakes, and toads.
Despite being considered traditional grassland insects, some species like the Pine Tree Spur-throat Grasshopper prefer to live in trees rather than on the ground. This adaptability helps explain their widespread distribution across diverse habitats.
In South Carolina, these grasshoppers play a significant role in the ecosystem by converting plant material into protein for predators higher in the food chain.
