Identification resources

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General information

Identifying a locust or grasshopper species involves several steps that require careful observation of both physical and behavioral characteristics. You can start by observing the overall shape, color, and any distinct patterns on the body, wings, antennae, and legs. If you have a physical specimen you can measure its body length and observe the wings to check their size, shape, and coloration. Grasshoppers may have fully developed wings, reduced wings, or none at all depending on their stage in development.

Morphological features are also essential for identification. Look at the head shape and eye position. The pronotum, the plate-like structure behind the head, can have unique shapes and markings important for distinguishing species. Check the tegmina, or forewings, for length and patterns or veins that can help with identification.

If you have access to field observation it can be helpful to consider the grasshopper’s behavior and habitat. Note its movement, feeding habits, and sounds, as these behaviors can vary among species. Identifying the habitat where the grasshopper was found, such as grassland, forest, or agricultural areas, can also provide crucial clues, as different species are often associated with specific environments. By combining these observations, you can more accurately identify the grasshopper species.

Short cerci on abdomen of a species of Pamphagid grasshopper

How to differentiate the sexes

The sex of a locust or grasshopper is identified by the shape of the cercus. In males, the tegmina often extends beyond or equal to the apices of the hind femora, while in females, they generally fall slightly short of reaching the apex of the abdomen, and male furculae are characterized by their short, swollen, and triangular shape.

Identifying nymphal stages

Locusts and grasshoppers go through several developmental stages called instars before reaching adulthood. Each instar is a stage between molts, during which the grasshopper sheds its exoskeleton to grow. Locust/grasshopper development begins with the egg stage, where eggs are laid in soil or vegetation. After hatching, grasshoppers go through several immature nymph stages. Each instar is a progressively larger nymph that more closely resembles the adult form. There are usually five instars before the final molt to an adult grasshopper, which is sexually mature and capable of reproduction and flight.

This masterpiece of photo-documentation illustrates the incredible variation of forms in some Acrididae. Both the gregarious and isolated (solitarious) forms across juvenile instars for four Schistocerca species are shown. This image is hosted here with permission from the creators Brandon Woo and Dr. Maéva Techer.

First instar

In the first instar, grasshoppers are very small, typically only a few millimeters in length. Their wing buds are either absent or extremely tiny. These nymphs usually exhibit lighter coloration with minimal markings. The antennae are short and have fewer segments compared to later stages. Their hind legs are relatively short and underdeveloped, and their exoskeleton is soft and flexible, offering limited protection.

Second instar

During the second instar, grasshoppers grow slightly larger than in the first instar. Wing buds start to form but remain quite small. Coloration begins to develop more distinctively, although still not fully pronounced. The antennae grow longer and gain more segments. Hind legs start to lengthen but are still not fully developed, and the exoskeleton becomes somewhat harder but remains relatively soft.

Nymphal wing development (Shotwell 1941)

Nymphal development of grasshoppers table (Shotwell 1941)

Third instar

By the third instar, grasshoppers are noticeably larger. Wing buds become more pronounced but are not yet functional. Color patterns and markings start to resemble those of the adult. The antennae continue to grow longer and more segmented. Hind legs show significant development, becoming stronger and more robust. The exoskeleton hardens further, providing better protection.

Fourth instar

In the fourth instar, grasshoppers reach a significantly larger size. Wing buds are well-developed but still not capable of flight. The color patterns become more defined, closely mirroring the adult form. Antennae grow longer and more segmented. Hind legs are almost fully developed, displaying increased strength and length. The exoskeleton becomes harder and more protective.

Fith instar

During the fifth instar, grasshoppers grow larger, approaching adult size. Wing buds are large and almost fully developed, showing adult wing patterns. The coloration and markings are fully developed, closely resembling the adult. Antennae reach nearly adult length with full segmentation. Hind legs are fully developed, strong, and capable of powerful jumps. The exoskeleton is hard and fully protective, similar to that of the adult.

Sixth instar

In species with more instars, the sixth instar sees grasshoppers reaching maximum size before adulthood. Wings are fully developed but not yet functional for flight. The coloration and patterns are completely mature, mirroring the adult appearance. Antennae are at full adult length with complete segmentation. Hind legs are strong and robust, fully developed for jumping. The exoskeleton is hard and fully protective, preparing for the final molt to adulthood.

Adult stage

As adults, grasshoppers reach their full size. Their wings are fully developed and functional for flight. The coloration and patterns are mature and fully defined. Antennae are at full length and segmentation. Hind legs are strong and robust, fully developed for powerful jumps. The exoskeleton is hard and fully protective, marking the completion of their development.

Featured guides

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  Grasshoppers of the Western U.S.
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  Orthoptera Species File
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  Pest Grasshoppers and Locusts: An Agriculturist’s Guide - Available for Senegal, Mali, and Niger
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  Grasshopper Identification & Control Methods to Protect Crops and the Environment