| Scientific name | Melanoplus differentialis |
|---|---|
| Group | Other Insects |
| Size | 28–50 mm (up to about 2.0 in) |
| Colors | Yellow, Brown and Green |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The differential grasshopper is a large member of the other insects group. Crickets, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies and other groups. Check for these three features:
- Yellowish-olive body
- Black herringbone chevrons on the hind legs
- Short antennae and strong jumping legs
About this bug
A large, olive-yellow grasshopper with black chevron marks on its hind legs. It feeds on crops, vegetables and weeds across the central US.
You'll usually find differential grasshoppers in gardens and on plants and in lawns and grass. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
Grasshoppers can nip if handled but are harmless; large outbreaks damage crops.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see differential grasshoppers
Differential Grasshoppers are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants and lawn or grass.
About other insects
The differential grasshopper is one of the other insects. This group covers insects from several orders, including crickets, grasshoppers, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies, lacewings and planthoppers. Their life cycles vary widely: fleas and lacewings go through complete metamorphosis, while crickets, grasshoppers, mantises and lice grow gradually through nymph stages.
Check the specific profile for timing, because each of these insects has its own season and habits.
What to do about it
- Till garden soil in fall to expose egg pods
- Use floating row covers on young plants
- Apply a Nosema locustae bait early in the season
Bugs that look similar
Size: Differential Grasshoppers are larger, reaching 50 mm, while house crickets top out around 21 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a differential grasshopper look like?
Yellowish-olive body. Adults measure 28–50 mm (up to about 2.0 in).
Does the differential grasshopper bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Grasshoppers can nip if handled but are harmless; large outbreaks damage crops.
Where do differential grasshoppers live?
Differential Grasshoppers live in gardens and on plants and in lawns and grass.
When are differential grasshoppers most active?
Mostly in summer.