Species Insects & ArthropodsAmerican Bird Grasshopper

American Bird Grasshopper

Schistocerca americana

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of American Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca americana)

The American Bird Grasshopper is one of North America's largest grasshoppers, reaching 2.5 inches, with a yellow-striped back and reddish hind tibiae. When flushed it takes long, strong flights resembling a small bird taking off — inspiring its common name. It is related to the locust of biblical plagues and can form local outbreaks causing agricultural damage.

Habitat
Open fields, roadsides, and agricultural areas
Diet
Adults and nymphs: vegetation including many crop plants
How common
Common

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