Differential Grasshoppers

 

Differential Grasshoppers (Melanoplus differentialis) are probably one of the most common of all the grasshoppers in Missouri. They have a distinguishing herringbone pattern on their hind legs, and are various shades of olive green with yellowish hind legs. They will range in size from 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 inches.

Mating occurs in late summer and early fall. The females will press long eggs masses into the ground, near weeds. She may lay up to 8 egg masses each containing about 25 eggs. The eggs will overwinter and hatch the following spring. The newly born nymphs look very much like the adults. They will shed their exoskeleton (outer skeletal skin) several times over a course of two months before reaching adult size (picture 3). It is common to see these shed skins hanging from branches or grasses. Looking very much like they were scared right out of their skin and left it behind.

They are found in a wide variety of habitats, including meadows, tall grassy areas, backyards, gardens, open fields and along stream sides. The nymphs and adults both feed on various grasses and crops, including corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cotton, vegetables, fruit trees, and other small grains.

These grasshoppers have many predators, which include birds, toads, frogs, raccoons, opossums, turtles, bats, praying mantids, red fox, dragonflies, yellow jackets, fish, shrews, lizards, chipmunks, squirrels, spiders, centipedes, crickets, beetles, and the neighborhood cat. The larvae of the Blister Beetles use the eggs of grasshoppers as their primary food source.

Sometime in the fall when the temperatures begin to drop, and the first freeze hits, the adults will perish. Often time frozen right to the spot that they had been clinging to. It is almost eerie to come across one of these dead grasshoppers, it is almost like some mass weapon of destruction came through and freeze-dried them.(Last 2 pictures)