Ohio’s grasslands, meadows, and farmlands are alive with the quick leaps and sudden flights of grasshoppers. These insects, often overlooked, play a vital role in balancing ecosystems by feeding on plants and serving as prey for birds, reptiles, and mammals.
With more than 15 species recorded, Ohio hosts a surprising diversity of grasshoppers. Some species are brilliantly green and hard to spot among tall grasses, while others flash patterned wings in flight. Each has its own habitat preferences, behaviors, and seasonal patterns.
For farmers, naturalists, and curious observers, learning to identify these grasshoppers is both practical and fascinating. By understanding their traits and life cycles, we gain insight into how they shape Ohio’s landscapes and why they remain such an enduring part of summer and autumn fields.
Different Types of Grasshoppers Found in Ohio
Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis)
The Differential Grasshopper is one of the most widespread species in Ohio, recognized for its large size and striking yellow-green body. Adults often measure about 1.5 to 2 inches long and are marked with bold black chevrons on their hind femurs, making them easy to distinguish from other species. Their robust body and strong hind legs allow them to leap long distances, an adaptation that helps them escape predators quickly.
This species thrives in fields, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed habitats, where vegetation is abundant. They are particularly common in agricultural areas, as they are highly adaptable and capable of consuming a wide range of plants. Their presence is often linked with warm weather conditions, and they become more numerous during the late summer and fall.
Feeding habits of the Differential Grasshopper can cause concern for farmers, as they are voracious consumers of crops such as corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Large swarms are rare in Ohio, but local outbreaks can lead to noticeable plant damage. Because of their generalist diet, they play a role in regulating plant communities but can also disrupt cultivated fields.
Their life cycle includes overwintering as eggs laid in soil, usually in weedy or grassy fields. Nymphs hatch in late spring and progress through several instars before reaching adulthood by mid to late summer. Adults can remain active until frost, continuing to feed and reproduce until conditions become unfavorable.
Carolina Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina)
The Carolina Grasshopper, also known as the Black-winged Grasshopper, is widely recognized in Ohio for its distinctive flight display. When flushed, this medium to large grasshopper reveals dark hind wings with pale yellow borders, resembling a butterfly in motion. Adults usually grow between 1.5 and 2 inches, with forewings that are mottled brown or gray, blending well with bare soil or gravel.
This species is commonly found in open, dry habitats such as roadsides, sandy fields, and disturbed ground. Its camouflage coloration makes it nearly invisible when resting on the ground, providing effective protection from predators. Unlike many other grasshoppers, Carolina Grasshoppers are often observed basking in open sunlit areas, especially during warm afternoons.
Carolina Grasshoppers feed on a variety of grasses and weeds, but they are not as destructive to crops as some Melanoplus species. Their preference for less dense vegetation and open habitats reduces their impact on agriculture, though they may still nibble on young plants in fields near their preferred environment.
The life cycle of this species includes overwintering in the egg stage. Nymphs emerge in late spring and undergo several molts before becoming adults in midsummer. Adults remain active until the first frosts, frequently startling hikers or passersby with their sudden and noisy flight when disturbed.
Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum)
The Red-legged Grasshopper is one of the most abundant species in Ohio and can be recognized by its reddish hind legs and slender brown or green body. Adults typically measure about 0.75 to 1.25 inches in length, making them smaller than the Differential Grasshopper. Their hind tibiae are often reddish, a key identifying feature that helps separate them from similar species.
This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, lawns, and agricultural fields. They prefer grassy areas with a mix of forbs, where they can easily find food and shelter. Their adaptability to both natural and human-modified environments makes them one of the most frequently encountered grasshoppers across Ohio.
Red-legged Grasshoppers are opportunistic feeders, consuming grasses, clovers, and a wide range of herbaceous plants. In large numbers, they may damage crops, especially alfalfa and small grains, but they are usually present in moderate populations that do not cause severe economic loss. Their feeding activity also plays a role in shaping plant community dynamics in wild habitats.
Like many grasshoppers, their eggs overwinter in the soil, hatching in late spring. Nymphs undergo five instars before reaching adulthood by midsummer. Adults are active throughout summer and fall, often seen hopping in fields until the first hard frost signals the end of their season.
Two-striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus)
The Two-striped Grasshopper is a large, robust species found throughout Ohio, known for its distinctive appearance. As its name suggests, this grasshopper displays two pale yellow stripes that run from the eyes down the length of the body. Adults measure around 1.5 to 2 inches, making them one of the larger grasshoppers in the state.
These grasshoppers inhabit a wide variety of environments, from roadsides and fields to agricultural lands. They are particularly associated with lush, grassy habitats where food is abundant. Because of their strong flight capability, they are also able to disperse widely in search of suitable feeding grounds.
The diet of the Two-striped Grasshopper is broad and includes crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, as well as wild grasses and forbs. They are considered occasional pests, as they can cause localized crop damage during population peaks. Their feeding can strip vegetation quickly when conditions allow populations to grow unchecked.
Eggs of this species overwinter in soil, with nymphs emerging in late spring. Growth occurs rapidly during the summer, and adults are present by midseason. Their long activity period, combined with their generalist feeding habits, makes them an important part of Ohio’s grasshopper fauna and a species to monitor in agricultural regions.
Green-striped Grasshopper (Chortophaga viridifasciata)
The Green-striped Grasshopper is a medium-sized species commonly found in grassy fields and meadows across Ohio. Adults measure about 0.75 to 1.5 inches in length and show sexual dimorphism in coloration. Males are typically green with a distinct stripe, while females are more often brown or gray, aiding them in camouflage among grasses and soil.
This species is often one of the first grasshoppers observed in the year, as it emerges earlier than many others. They are especially active in spring and early summer, inhabiting roadsides, pastures, and weedy areas where their preferred grasses grow. Their early appearance makes them an important seasonal species in the Ohio landscape.
Green-striped Grasshoppers primarily feed on grasses, but they may also consume other herbaceous plants. While not typically considered a major agricultural pest, their feeding can occasionally cause minor damage to hay fields or pastures when populations are high. They play an ecological role in grassland ecosystems by recycling plant material.
Their life cycle differs slightly from many grasshoppers, as they can overwinter either as eggs or as nymphs depending on environmental conditions. This adaptation allows them to appear earlier in the season than most species. Adults are often gone by late summer, replaced by other grasshoppers that emerge later in the season.
Spotted-wing Grasshopper (Orphulella pelidna)
The Spotted-wing Grasshopper is a small to medium-sized species that can be identified by its mottled brown forewings decorated with dark spots. Adults typically measure between 0.6 and 1 inch in length, making them more slender and delicate than many larger grasshoppers in Ohio. Their hind legs are long and thin, aiding them in quick and agile jumps to evade predators.
This grasshopper prefers open, grassy fields and meadows where tall grasses dominate. They are often found in drier upland areas, blending seamlessly into their surroundings thanks to their cryptic coloration. Because of their relatively small size and camouflage, they can be difficult to detect until they leap away when disturbed.
Spotted-wing Grasshoppers primarily feed on grasses, with a preference for native prairie species. Their feeding habits do not usually result in significant crop damage, making them less of an agricultural concern compared to other Melanoplus species. They are, however, important in maintaining the ecological balance of native grasslands.
The life cycle of this species includes overwintering as eggs laid in soil. Nymphs hatch in late spring and gradually mature into adults during summer. Adults remain active into early fall, when cooler temperatures eventually limit their activity and reproduction.
Short-winged Green Grasshopper (Dichromorpha viridis)
The Short-winged Green Grasshopper is one of the most distinctive species in Ohio, easily identified by its bright green body and noticeably reduced wings. Adults are relatively small, ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 inches in length, and their shortened wings give them a compact appearance compared to other grasshoppers. Males are typically green, while females are often brown, providing camouflage in different environments.
This species inhabits moist meadows, grassy fields, and lowland areas near wetlands. Because of its shorter wings, it is less capable of long flights and tends to stay close to dense grasses. Its limited mobility makes it more vulnerable to predators but also helps keep it localized in specific habitats.
The Short-winged Green Grasshopper feeds on grasses and sedges, with a preference for softer vegetation. They rarely cause significant agricultural damage, as their numbers are generally stable and their feeding restricted to wild plants. Their striking coloration makes them easier to identify for observant naturalists and grasshopper enthusiasts.
Their life cycle begins with eggs overwintering in the soil, hatching into nymphs in spring. Adults emerge in early summer and remain active throughout the warm season. Because of their reduced wings, they rely more on jumping than flying to escape threats, an adaptation that distinguishes them from many other Ohio grasshoppers.
Migratory Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes)
The Migratory Grasshopper is one of the most widespread species in North America, including Ohio. Adults are medium to large in size, measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches long, with a brown to olive coloration that blends well with grassland environments. Their hind tibiae are often red or pinkish, providing a subtle identification marker.
This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting fields, meadows, pastures, and agricultural lands. Its broad range of habitat tolerance is one reason for its success and large populations in many regions. In Ohio, it is commonly encountered during summer and fall in both wild and cultivated landscapes.
The Migratory Grasshopper is known for its broad diet, feeding on grasses, grains, and various herbaceous plants. In large numbers, it can be a serious agricultural pest, capable of damaging cereal crops, alfalfa, and vegetables. While true locust-like swarming is rare in Ohio, localized population booms can still lead to crop damage.
Their life cycle begins with eggs deposited in soil during late summer, overwintering until they hatch the following spring. Nymphs develop over several instars and mature into adults by midsummer. Because of their potential impact on crops, this species is closely monitored in many agricultural areas across the Midwest.
Longhorn Band-wing Grasshopper (Psinidia fenestralis)
The Longhorn Band-wing Grasshopper is a striking species recognized by its banded wings and relatively long antennae compared to many other grasshoppers. Adults are medium-sized, reaching about 0.9 to 1.2 inches in length, with mottled gray or tan forewings that provide camouflage against sandy or rocky soil. When in flight, their hind wings reveal a flash of dark bands with lighter patches.
This grasshopper is typically found in open, sandy areas, dunes, and gravelly fields across Ohio. Its coloration helps it disappear against bare ground, making it a master of camouflage. Unlike grasshoppers that prefer lush vegetation, this species thrives in more barren and sparsely vegetated landscapes.
Longhorn Band-wing Grasshoppers feed on grasses and low-growing plants, with a preference for species that tolerate sandy or dry soils. They are not considered a significant agricultural pest, as they rarely invade crops in large numbers. Instead, they play a role in stabilizing native plant communities in marginal habitats.
Their life cycle is similar to other grasshoppers, with eggs overwintering in soil. Nymphs appear in late spring and mature into adults by midsummer. Their strong jumping ability and startling wing displays help deter predators, making them an impressive species to observe in the wild.
Pasture Grasshopper (Melanoplus confusus)
The Pasture Grasshopper is a medium-sized species that measures about 0.75 to 1.2 inches in length. Adults are typically brown to gray with subtle striping and spotting, giving them a well-camouflaged appearance among grasses and soil. Their hind legs are sturdy, allowing them to leap considerable distances when threatened.
As its name suggests, this species is commonly found in pastures, meadows, and grassy fields across Ohio. It thrives in areas with mixed grasses and forbs, especially where livestock graze or vegetation is regularly maintained at moderate heights. Its preference for open fields makes it one of the more noticeable grasshoppers in agricultural regions.
The Pasture Grasshopper primarily feeds on grasses, clovers, and herbaceous plants. While it may nibble on crops near pastures, it rarely reaches pest status unless populations become unusually dense. Its feeding habits contribute to the natural cycling of plant material in grassland ecosystems.
Their eggs overwinter in the soil and hatch in late spring. Nymphs undergo multiple molts before reaching adulthood in mid to late summer. Adults are active throughout late summer and fall, completing their life cycle before frost ends their activity for the year.
Clear-winged Grasshopper (Camnula pellucida)
The Clear-winged Grasshopper is a medium to large species widely distributed across grasslands, including parts of Ohio. Adults typically measure about 1 to 1.5 inches long and are recognized by their narrow, clear forewings that often show faint spotting. Their overall body color ranges from gray to olive-brown, blending well with dry grassy habitats.
This species prefers open prairies, meadows, and agricultural fields, particularly areas dominated by grasses. In Ohio, they are often found in hay fields or pastures where grasses are plentiful. Because of their strong jumping and flight abilities, they are capable of moving quickly between feeding sites.
The Clear-winged Grasshopper is primarily a grass feeder, consuming a variety of native and cultivated grasses. In agricultural regions, it can sometimes cause concern due to its preference for cereals such as wheat and oats. However, it is generally less damaging than the migratory or two-striped grasshoppers.
Their life cycle begins with eggs deposited in the soil in late summer, where they overwinter until hatching the following spring. Nymphs grow steadily through several molts, with adults appearing in midsummer. They remain active into early fall, completing their cycle before the first frosts arrive.
Velvet-striped Grasshopper (Eritettix simplex)
The Velvet-striped Grasshopper is a smaller species, usually measuring between 0.6 and 1 inch in length. It is recognized by a soft, velvety texture on its body and distinct pale stripes running lengthwise along the thorax and wings. The subtle coloration allows it to remain well-camouflaged in grassy fields.
This species inhabits meadows, pastures, and grassy lowlands across Ohio. They are often encountered in damp or semi-moist areas where grasses and sedges dominate. Their small size and quick movements make them harder to spot unless flushed from the vegetation.
The Velvet-striped Grasshopper feeds on a range of grasses and occasionally other herbaceous plants. They are not considered a major agricultural pest, as their populations rarely reach levels capable of damaging crops. Instead, they contribute to the ecological role of recycling plant matter within natural grassland systems.
Eggs are laid in soil in late summer and overwinter until hatching in spring. Nymphs develop rapidly, and adults can be seen by mid to late summer. They remain active until fall, with activity levels dropping as temperatures decline.
Club-horned Grasshopper (Aeropedellus clavatus)
The Club-horned Grasshopper is a distinctive small species identified by its enlarged, club-shaped antennae. Adults are usually less than 1 inch in length, with a slender body that can be green, brown, or gray depending on their habitat. Their unique antennae are the key feature that separates them from other Ohio grasshoppers.
This grasshopper is typically found in open, grassy fields, prairies, and upland meadows. It prefers dry habitats with scattered vegetation, where its coloration helps it blend seamlessly into the environment. Because of its small size, it often goes unnoticed by casual observers.
The Club-horned Grasshopper feeds primarily on grasses and has little impact on crops. Its populations are generally stable and localized, rarely causing agricultural concerns. Instead, it plays an important role as prey for birds, reptiles, and small mammals in its ecosystem.
Its life cycle follows the typical grasshopper pattern of overwintering as eggs in the soil. Nymphs emerge in late spring and grow into adults by midsummer. Adults are active through late summer and fall, completing their cycle before the cold sets in.
Marsh Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus curtipennis)
The Marsh Meadow Grasshopper is a medium-sized species, measuring about 0.8 to 1.2 inches in length. It is usually green with hints of brown or yellow, providing camouflage in dense grassy habitats. The species is noted for its relatively short wings compared to body length, giving it a more compact look.
As its name suggests, this grasshopper prefers moist habitats, including marshes, wet meadows, and low-lying fields. In Ohio, it is often observed near wetlands where grasses grow thick and lush. Its presence is tied closely to damp environments, unlike many grasshoppers that thrive in dry conditions.
The Marsh Meadow Grasshopper feeds heavily on grasses and sedges. Because of its preference for wetland vegetation, it does not typically damage crops or pastureland. Instead, it contributes to the ecological balance of marsh ecosystems, serving as a food source for amphibians and birds.
Its life cycle involves eggs overwintering in the soil, hatching in spring when moisture levels are high. Nymphs mature into adults by mid to late summer, remaining active until the cool weather of fall ends their season. This species is a good indicator of healthy wetland habitats.
Northern Green-striped Grasshopper (Chortophaga australior)
The Northern Green-striped Grasshopper closely resembles the common Green-striped Grasshopper but is more prevalent in the northern parts of its range, including Ohio. Adults measure 0.8 to 1.5 inches and display strong sexual dimorphism: males are often bright green, while females are brown or tan, giving them excellent camouflage.
This species is commonly found in fields, meadows, roadsides, and pastures. They are most active in spring and early summer, often appearing earlier than many other grasshopper species. Their preference for grassy habitats makes them one of the most widespread and noticeable grasshoppers in Ohio during the warmer months.
Feeding habits include grasses and other herbaceous plants, though they rarely cause significant crop damage. Their ecological role is important in balancing plant growth in natural areas, and they also provide prey for insectivorous birds and small mammals.
The Northern Green-striped Grasshopper may overwinter either as eggs or as nymphs, depending on local conditions. This flexibility allows them to emerge earlier than most grasshoppers. Adults are usually present by early summer and decline by late August, when later-season grasshoppers begin to dominate.
Obscure Grasshopper (Opeia obscura)
The Obscure Grasshopper is a slender, medium-sized species typically measuring about 0.7 to 1 inch in length. Its body is narrow and often displays shades of brown or gray, with subtle striping that provides excellent camouflage against soil and dry grasses. Its appearance is less flashy than many other grasshoppers, which is why it has earned the name “obscure.”
This species is usually found in open fields, pastures, and dry grassy habitats across Ohio. Because of its cryptic coloration, it can be difficult to spot until it leaps away when disturbed. Unlike some grasshoppers that prefer lush vegetation, the Obscure Grasshopper does well in sparsely vegetated areas.
The diet of the Obscure Grasshopper consists mainly of grasses, with a preference for dryland species. It is not considered a significant agricultural pest, as its feeding habits are limited and populations are usually not dense enough to cause damage. Its ecological role lies more in its contribution to natural grassland food webs.
Its life cycle follows the typical grasshopper pattern, with eggs overwintering in soil. Nymphs hatch in late spring and mature into adults by mid to late summer. Adults remain active into the fall until colder weather ends their season.
Packard’s Grasshopper (Melanoplus packardii)
Packard’s Grasshopper is a medium to large species, reaching lengths of about 1 to 1.5 inches. It is typically brown or gray, with markings on its hind legs and wings that help distinguish it from other Melanoplus species. Its strong hind legs allow for powerful jumps, and it is a capable flier when disturbed.
This grasshopper inhabits open grassy areas, including fields, meadows, and agricultural lands. In Ohio, it is often associated with prairies or pastures where a variety of grasses and forbs grow. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in both wild and semi-cultivated habitats.
The feeding habits of Packard’s Grasshopper include a wide range of grasses and herbaceous plants. While it can occasionally feed on crops, it rarely causes significant agricultural damage unless populations rise unusually high. It is, however, considered a potential pest in some Midwestern regions due to its broad diet.
The life cycle begins with eggs laid in the soil in late summer, which overwinter until spring. Nymphs hatch as temperatures warm and mature through several stages before becoming adults in midsummer. Adults remain active throughout summer and fall, reproducing until frost ends their activity.
Haldeman’s Grasshopper (Melanoplus haldemani)
Haldeman’s Grasshopper is a moderately sized species, with adults averaging 1 to 1.3 inches in length. Its coloration ranges from light brown to olive green, often with faint striping or mottling along the body. Like other Melanoplus species, it has strong hind legs and a sturdy body adapted for both jumping and short flights.
This species favors open grasslands, pastures, and weedy fields in Ohio. It is more localized compared to widespread species such as the Differential or Red-legged Grasshopper, but it can be found in scattered populations where grasses are abundant. Its ability to blend into its surroundings makes it difficult to detect until it moves.
Haldeman’s Grasshopper feeds primarily on grasses and occasionally on broadleaf plants. While not usually an agricultural pest, it can contribute to grazing pressure in pastures when present in higher numbers. It plays a role in maintaining ecological balance by recycling plant matter and serving as prey for larger animals.
The life cycle begins with eggs deposited in soil in the late summer, which remain dormant through winter. Nymphs hatch in spring and go through several molts before reaching adulthood by midsummer. Adults are most active during late summer and early fall, completing their reproductive cycle before frost.
FAQs About Grasshoppers in Ohio
What types of grasshoppers are found in Ohio?
Ohio is home to more than 15 species of grasshoppers, including the Differential Grasshopper, Carolina Grasshopper, Red-legged Grasshopper, Two-striped Grasshopper, and Green-striped Grasshopper. Other species such as the Spotted-wing, Migratory, and Clear-winged Grasshoppers are also common in meadows, pastures, and agricultural fields across the state.
Are grasshoppers in Ohio harmful to crops?
Some species, like the Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) and the Two-striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus), can cause damage to crops during population outbreaks. They feed on corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and grasses. However, most grasshoppers occur at manageable levels and do not cause widespread harm.
When is the best time to see grasshoppers in Ohio?
Grasshoppers are most visible from late spring through early fall. Nymphs begin to appear in May and June, while adults are most active during summer and early autumn. Their activity decreases sharply with the arrival of frost.
Where do grasshoppers live in Ohio?
They can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, pastures, prairies, wetlands, roadsides, and agricultural fields. Some species prefer dry upland areas, while others, such as the Marsh Meadow Grasshopper, thrive in moist lowlands and wet habitats.
Do grasshoppers in Ohio pose any danger to humans?
No, grasshoppers are harmless to humans. They do not bite or sting, and their primary ecological role is feeding on vegetation. While some species can impact crops, they are not a health threat to people or pets.
