SCUDDER’S SHORT-WINGED GRASSHOPPER
Melanoplus scudderi
SHORT-HORNED GRASSHOPPERS (Acrididae)
This grasshopper is about one inch in length and varies in color from brown to reddish-brown. Nymphs appear in spring and early summer with adults being present from early August on into October. The individual shown here was photographed at Neale Woods and was identified with the help of the volunteer experts at BugGuide. It has short wings and pink to red hind tibia. Because of the short wings this grasshopper is flightless.
This grasshopper is considered rare and occurs in the eastern U.S. and as far west as eastern Nebraska. It can be found along woodland edges and gravelly hillsides.
Diet is unknown. There is some evidence that it may be associated with legumes.
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