Fun Differential Grasshopper Facts For Kids
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The differential grasshopper (scientific name: Melanoplus differentialis) belongs to the genus Melanoplus. The species is primarily found in several states of the United States such as Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska. In Mexico, the range extends into southern Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
The grasshoppers are found either in greenish or brownish-yellow colors while the nymphs are bright yellow. Like males, females are yellow with black markings, and a few of the adults are melanistic (black) in color, as well.
The antennas are either yellow or reddish-yellow. The average body length of the species is around 1.1-1.97 in (28-50 mm), and females are almost twice the size of males.
These grasshoppers mostly dwell in wet meadows, creek-bottom lands, and herbaceous vegetation, grasslands, and open woods. Their eggs are commonly found on field borders and roadsides.
While talking about the life cycle of the species, females generally lay around 40-200 eggs and there is only one generation per year. It generally takes around 30-32 days to transform nymphs into winged adults.
The grasshoppers are herbivores and primarily enjoy feeding on small grains, alfalfa, deciduous fruit trees, several plants like cotton, soybean, giant ragweed, corn, prickly lettuce, and many more. The conservation status of these insects has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Keep on reading to learn more interesting facts about the eastern lubber grasshopper. If you want to know more exciting information about different animals, check out these articles on the flea and Asian lady beetle, too!
Differential Grasshopper Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a differential grasshopper?
The differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is an insect found in several parts of the United States and Mexico. The species is found in either brownish or greenish-yellow colors.
What class of animal does a differential grasshopper belong to?
The species belongs to the class of Insecta, the family of Acrididae, and the Melanoplus genus, while the differential grasshopper order is the Orthoptera.
How many differential grasshoppers are there in the world?
The exact population of differential grasshoppers is not known as of now but these insects are found in several regions of North America. Studies reveal that no major threats, apart from predation can harm the population.
Where does a differential grasshopper live?
The species is primarily found in several states of the United States such as Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska. In Mexico, the range extends into British Columbia and southern Saskatchewan.
What is a differential grasshopper's habitat?
While talking about the differential grasshopper habitat, the species majorly dwell in herbaceous vegetation, creek-bottom lands, wet meadows, grasslands, and open woods. Their eggs are commonly found on roadsides and field borders.
Who do differential grasshoppers live with?
Like other species, the differential grasshoppers are found in groups. These insects generally form bands in search of food and move in the same direction. Also, during the reproduction season, these grasshoppers come together. In the later stage of their lives, adults turn into nomads.
How long does a differential grasshopper live?
The average lifespan of a differential grasshopper is around two to three months only.
How do they reproduce?
Very little information regarding the reproduction patterns is available as of now, but it is said the species follow the same patterns as other species. Adults perform several courtship displays such as body movements, waving wings, and many more.
The species have seasonal reproduction and only one generation is produced in the early summer. Females generally lay eggs in huge numbers that range from 40-200 and deposit the masses in the soil.
Generally, the eggs are found near field borders and roadways and within two weeks, during the late spring, the eggs hatch. A well-synchronized development can be seen and it usually takes around 30-32 days to transform nymphs into winged adults
What is their conservation status?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has not evaluated the status of differential grasshoppers as the population is stable and predation is the only major threat to the species.
Differential Grasshopper Fun Facts
What do differential grasshoppers look like?
These grasshoppers have similar characteristics to the other grasshoppers. They are short-horned grasshoppers found either in greenish or brownish-yellow colors, while the nymphs are bright yellow. Like males, females are yellow with black markings, and a few of the adults are melanistic (black) in color as well. The antennae are either yellow or reddish-yellow.
How cute are they?
Apart from the appearance of these beautiful grasshoppers, there are several aspects that make them even more fascinating. The nymphs generally crawl, while the adults hop while finding some food. Also, you would love to see the unbroken bands of these insects.
How do they communicate?
Like other species of differential grasshopper, these insects possess compound eyes that help them to get better viewing angles. Also, they use several tactile and chemical cues to get an idea of the surroundings.
How big is a differential grasshopper?
The average body length of the differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is around 1.1-1.97 in (28-50 mm), and female is almost twice the size of the male. The grasshopper is two and four times bigger than the tiger beetle and sweat bee, respectively.
How fast can a differential grasshopper move?
The exact speed of the differential grasshopper is not known but the insect is known for its strong flying skills, the adult grasshopper can easily fly 10-100 yards in search of food. Also, the ability to hop or jump helps the insect avoid predation.
How much does a differential grasshopper weigh?
The actual weight of differential grasshopper is not known as of now.
What are their male and female names of the species?
There are no specific names given to the adult male and female differential grasshoppers. Females are generally bigger than males and males possess different shaped cercus, unlike females.
What would you call a baby differential grasshopper?
People generally use the term nymphs to refer to the baby of differential grasshopper.
What do they eat?
The differential grasshoppers are herbivores and primarily feeds on small grains, alfalfa, deciduous fruit trees, and several crops including cotton, soybean, giant ragweed, corn. These insects and their eggs are often preyed upon by ground beetles, bee flies, robber flies, blister beetles, and many more.
Are they poisonous?
The differential grasshoppers pose no threats or danger to humans and are not poisonous at all, but can attack if they feel threatened. Like other members of the differential grasshopper family, the species is known for damaging several plants such as cotton, soybeans, and corn.
It is said that a large group can easily destroy a cornfield within three to four days.
Would they make a good pet?
These insects could be a great option as they do not require special food or care but several things – such as proper housing and cleanliness – should be kept in mind before keeping them. People generally add some twigs in the tank that help the insects to climb. Also, you should never capture an Endangered species.
Did you know...
The differential grasshopper phylum is called Arthropoda.
The order Orthoptera consists of around 20,000 species of grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts.
The female differential grasshopper lays eggs in masses and each mass consists of around 11 eggs.
The short-horned differential grasshoppers are edible.
There are around 51 types of grasshoppers found throughout the world. Apart from jumping, some species have the ability to release foul-smelling gas to ward off their predators.
What is special about differential grasshoppers?
The differential grasshoppers generally possess yellow bodies with black, chevron-like markings. The shining yellow antennas make them more unique. Apart from their physical appearance, another special characteristic about them is the way they search plants – their bands remain unbroken until they find food. Also, nymphs are known for attacking and damaging small grains such as alfalfa, and hay.
Why do grasshoppers move side to side?
Unlike most insects, grasshoppers are able to jump to escape from a predator. Their legs generally thrust against the ground that helps them to produce high velocity.
Instead of flying, they deceive their predators by changing their position. Several species are able to execute forward and backward movements while others execute side to side movements. Studies suggest that adult grasshoppers can execute up to six types of movements.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other arthropods from our hister beetle facts and Christmas beetle facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable stag beetle coloring pages.
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