Although we have negative connotations on these small creatures they are somehow important in our ecosystem. They serve as foods to many species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.
And unknown to some, grasshoppers are important source of foods and nutrients also to humans. Grasshoppers are eaten in the Philippines, Thailand and other Asian countries.
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea guttata) or simply Lubber Grasshopper is a brightly colored grasshopper endemic to the United States. It is not only remarkable for its unique coloration, but also for its size that can reach nearly 8 cm in length. This lovely looking grasshopper is also colloquially known as a “Graveyard Grasshopper.” When disturbed, this insect emits a dark colored and foul-smelling secretion.
Mountain Grasshopper
This pretty insect is known as Mountain Grasshopper (Monistria sp.). This particular grasshopper is photographed near Mt Feathertop in Victoria, Australia.
Red-legged Grasshopper
The Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is a notable grasshopper species of Canada, Mexico, and United States. The back of this insect is reddish-brown, its belly is yellow and its hind legs are red, hence its common name.
Common Field Grasshopper
The Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) is a remarkable grasshopper species that can be found in Asia, Europe and North Africa. It usually lives in dry and sparse grassland. From summer up to October, this insect is very hairy.
Differential Grasshopper
The Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is a notable species of grasshopper of Canada, Mexico and United States. This insect is regarded a pest in most of its range. On the average, it can attain a length of 40 mm. It is brownish or greenish in color, but darken as it grows older.
Miramella irena
This glossy and beautiful grasshopper is a notable species of grasshopper from Croatia. This particular grasshopper was taken from Istria, Croatia.
Two-striped Grasshopper
The Two-striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus) is a grasshopper species which is considered a pest in Canada and in the United States. It has a pair of pale yellow stripes running along the top of its body from above its eyes to the hind tip of its wings, hence its common name.
Meadow Grasshopper
The Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus) is a notable grasshopper species of the region between Asia and Europe. It is commonly found in non-arid grasslands and prefers moist vegetation and river valleys. The Meadow Grasshopper on the above photo is photographed in Belgium.
Parapodisma tanzawaensis
The Parapodisma tanzawaensis is a notable grasshopper species that can be found in Japan. The grasshopper on the above photo was taken at Honshu, Japan.
Plagues of the Desert Locust
This is the most popular, controversial and the most destructive grasshopper in the world!
Plagues of the Desert Locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) are considered pest in Africa, Middle East and Asia. These creatures have threatened agricultural production in these areas for hundreds of years now. These destructive and voracious insects have affected the livelihood of about 1/10 of the world’s population. This particular species is considered the most dangerous of the locust pests because of the ability of swarms to fly rapidly across great distances.
