The Carolina grasshopper, is in the order Orthoptera, family Acrididae. This grasshopper is one of the largest in North America. It has colorful wings that span 3 inches in males and 3.5 to 4 inches in females. The leathery wing covers (tegima) match the body color of tan, brown, or grey with speckles. The hind wings are black with a pale yellow margin.
Grasshoppers have a paurometabolous life cycle. They begin life as eggs, from which the grasshopper nymphs emerge in June. After several instars, the nymphs develop into adults with functional wings, and disperse. Male grasshoppers court females by a producing a signal made by alternate stridulation, which is rubbing one hindleg against the tegmen, which produces sound.
The Carolina grasshopper is found throughout North America. This grasshopper lives in rangeland grasses, where it is a minor pest. Because of its large size, it is able to consume a lot of food. It is often found in disturbed areas such as roadside strips and weedy fence rows. It feeds mostly on grasses, and weeds, but it may also damage crops such as wheat, alfalfa and tobacco in favorable habitats. It's local diet depends greatly on what plants are available in its habitat. It was reported in Oklahoma that the grasshopper damaged corn, sorghum, cotton, and potato.
Daily activity for the grasshopper includes sunbathing for a few hours in the morning and feeding. Males are more active than females, since they are searching for mates. Adult females spend more time feeding, grooming and resting than males.
Ellen Cook & Rubin Caulder
Insect Biology & Diversity (ENT / BIOSC 301)
Fall 2004
