Red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum)
| Melanoplus femurrubrum Red-legged grasshopper | |
|---|---|
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| Distribution | |
| Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia (U.S. state), Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories | |
| Taxonomy | |
| Family: | Acrididae |
| Subfamily: | Melanoplinae |
| Genus: | Melanoplus |
| Additional resources | |
| Full taxonomy at OSF | |
Overview
The red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is a grasshopper which ranges across North America. Individuals of the species can be clearly identified by bright red coloration on the tibia. This species may eat a wide variety of plants, but tends to favor legumes, composites, and grasses.[1] These insects are not known to swarm, but may occur in very high densities on occasion and cause severe damage to wheat or legume fields.[2]
Nomenclature
Melanoplus femurrubrum (De Geer, 1773). For full nomenclature, see this taxon's page on Orthoptera Species File
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Distribution
Distribution of M. femurrubrum is overwhelmingly focused on North America. [2] The grasshopper’s native range covers the majority of the continent, with the exception of certain mountain ranges and the far north due to low tolerance of colder temperatures. [1]
For more information and distribution records see [GBIF]
Identification
Red-legged grasshopper nymphs are clearly identifiable by distinct, striking yellow-and-black striped markings on the sides of the body. Adults of the species are medium sized and brown, with a bright yellow underside and bright or dark red patch on the hind tibia. Rarely, adults may exhibit a blue or green coloration instead of the characteristic brown and yellow with red legs. [1]
Biology
Habitat and Ecology
This species can be found in a wide range of habitats across North America. Populations prefer low altitude locations, with younger or more tender vegetation. They enjoy shady portions of woodland, roadsides, and pastures and meadows which contain preferred diet plants.[2] Red-legged grasshoppers may eat a variety of plant matter depending on habitat, but are known to consume legumes, composites, and grasses.[1] Some have also been found to feed on pine needles and moss. Individuals may occasionally feed in the early part of the night, but feeding primarily occurs during daylight.[2]
Pest Status
This species is not known to swarm, but populations may occur in very high densities which superficially resemble swarms. Large groups may cause severe damage to wheat fields, and are also known to be destructive to clover and lucerne. Red-legged grasshoppers may also attack barley, cotton, maize, oats, soybean, sugar beet, timothy grass, and tobacco. [2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin "Redlegged Grasshopper" 912: 1-4. https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/30320505/grasshopper/Extras/PDFs/Species%20Fact%20Sheets/Redleg.pdf
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 COPR (1982) The Locust and Grasshopper Agricultural Manual. London: Overseas Pest Research. 169.