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Two-striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Two-striped Grasshopper


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Image Credit: Elizabeth and Desmond L. from Grand Bend, ON
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Image Credit: Donald L., taken in Morrison, CO
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At every life stage, the Two-striped Grasshopper is a bonafide pest to important agricultural crops thanks to its voracious appetite.



Updated: 07/12/2023; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Two-striped Grasshoppers are a light brown color with shades of green on the head. The top of the head is dark brown. On the sides of the crown, two yellow stripes run the length of the body from the eyes to the edges of the wings and the tip of the abdomen. The long back legs are tan with an inlay of chevrons on the sides and alternating patches of black and tan along the inner edges. Nymphs (juveniles) change color and pattern as they molt through multiple instars.

This species of grasshopper thrives on weeds at the border of and within fields of crops. They eat all parts of plants like alfalfa, corn, lentil, barley, wheat, and other small grains crops at every life stage. This results in a non-stop barrage of feeding by the insects and results in complete decimation of a field. Because stalk, flower, and seed are all consumed, plants are unlikely to reproduce on their own in the same area the next year and require reseeding.

Mating can last up to half a day as both food and sperm are transferred to females in the process. Eggs are laid in the soil before winter, and nymphs hatch in the spring when temperatures begin to rise. One generation is produced each year, but in higher elevations, it may take two years.

Two-striped Grasshoppers are active in the daytime and perch at the top of crops and vegetation at night to rest. Once the warm sunshine raises their body temperatures, they descend and either continue feeding or move on to new plants. Nymphs and adults can move in large migratory groups to new patches of vegetation. These swarms can been seen flying high above the field. Look for this species at roadsides, the edges of farm fields, in prairies, and meadows.©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Jumping insect icon
Striped or banded insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Orthoptera
        Family: Acrididae
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          Genus: Melanoplus
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            Species: bivittatus

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Melanoplus bivittatus
Category: Grasshopper or Cricket
Size (Adult; Length): 30mm to 55mm (1.18" to 2.16")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; black; yellow; green; tan
Descriptors: jumping; hopping; legs; long; lines; stripes; chevron; wings


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 30mm (1.2in) and 55mm (2.2in)
Lo: 30mm
Md: 42.5mm
Hi: 55mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Two-striped Grasshopper may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Two-striped Grasshopper. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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