Grasshopper Information and Updates

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    Insects in this group are generally plant feeders and some can cause serious defoliation of yard plants as well as gardens. Many of these insects overwinter as eggs either in the soil, on or in small branches of host trees. Most take several weeks to develop to adults and the adults then live a long time. Some are active at night whereas others can be found feeding during the day.

   Twostripped grasshopper

Adults are about 1.5 inches long and these are one of the most common species in Idaho yards. They are greenish with two distinctive light stripes down the back.

  Migratory grasshopper

This grasshopper is a pest of rangelands but will also invade yards. They are about 1 inch long and the small portion of the hind leg is red. It prefers waste areas to feed and lay eggs but flower beds will also suffice.

  Angular winged Katydid

Forewings that look like tree leaves are characteristic of these insects. They have short sword-like ovipositors and long thin antennae. Eggs are flat, tan, and laid in overlapping rows on tree limbs.

  Mormon Cricket

Mormon crickets are common in southern Idaho and northern Utah and Nevada. They prefer feeding on range grasses but sometimes invade crops or yards. They can be seen marching in large numbers. Most are dark reddish brown or dark greenish brown and the females have long, sword shaped ovipositors.

  Jerusalem Cricket

Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal, wingless crickets. Their large head and striped abdomen are characteristics that make them easy to identify. In various parts of the country they are called potato bugs or sand crickets. Roots, tubers, and dead animal matter are preferred foods.

  Snowy tree cricket

Snowy tree crickets are pale green to almost white. They feed on many different trees. Eggs are laid in new twigs and can cause serious damage if abundant enough. Wings are held flat over the body at rest. Like most other Orthoptera, there is one generation per year.