Occidental grasshopper (Melanoplus occidentalis)

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Occidental grasshopper (Melanoplus occidentalis)
Occidental grasshopper
Distribution
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa
Taxonomy
Family:Acrididae
Subfamily:Melanoplinae
Genus:Melanoplus
Additional resources
Full taxonomy at OSF

Overview

The Flabellate grasshopper (Melanoplus occidentalis) can be most commonly found in the western United States and some parts of Canada, competing with livestock in prairies and grasslands for vegetation. Species migrations have not been recorded, although 'accidental' individuals can appear in the oddest places like the Rocky Mountains or glaciers in Montana.

Nomenclature

Melanoplus occidentalis (Thomas, 1872). For full nomenclature, see this taxon's page on Orthoptera Species File


Resources

Distribution

Densities are greatest in mixed grass prairies throughout the western US and Canadian provinces. For more information on this species distribution and its densities in the state of Wyoming see [Grasshoppers of the West]

Identification

Has a posternal tubercle (a small knob-like protrusion) between front legs. Tegmina (thick front wing of an orthopteran) marked with large irregular spots. Pronotum (saddle-shaped structure behind the head) is not crested, is more condensed and prominent saddle shape in gregarious phase.

Phase Stage Color Body length
Gregarious nymph (1st - 2nd instar) black 3.8-4.9 mm
Gregarious nymph (3rd to 4th instar) yellow with black 6.1-8.6 mm
Solitarious nymph green 15-16.5 mm
Gregarious immature adult pink
Gregarious mature adult yellow
Solitarious adult sandy, grey or brown, common light colored median stripe on the pronotum [1] Male: 19.2-21 mm

Female: 22-24 mm

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Identification resources

Biology

Habitat and Ecology

Land-Use Change

References

  1. COPR (1982) The Locust and Grasshopper Agricultural Manual. London: Overseas Pest Research. 335-339.