Two-striped Grasshopper
Scientific Name: Melanoplus bivittatus
Category: insect
Brief Description
A medium to large grasshopper recognized by the two distinct light-colored yellowish stripes running down its back from the head to the wingtips.
Characteristics
Greenish-yellow to brownish body, easily identified by two pale yellow or white stripes bordered with black extending along the dorsal surface from the eyes back along the forewings. Hind femur often has dark chevron markings.
Habitat
Fields, roadsides, ditch banks, pastures, and open woodland edges where weeds and grasses are abundant.
When to Find It
Active as adults typically from mid-summer through autumn.
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
Serves as an important food source for many birds, small mammals, and reptiles, though it can occasionally become an agricultural pest when populations surge.
Easily Confused With
Other Melanoplus species (spur-throated grasshoppers), which can be distinguished by closer inspection of genitalia, coloration details, and the lack of the distinctive two dorsal stripes.
Observation Tips
Look carefully on tree trunks or low vegetation in grassy areas. They are usually well-camouflaged but will jump or fly when approached closely.
Interesting Facts
Like many grasshoppers, the two-striped grasshopper is capable of strong leaps powered by its large hind legs, jumping many times its body length.
User Notes
In Lincoln NE