Lakin Grasshopper
Melanoplus lakinus
This record describes Melanoplus lakinus (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Acrididae (Short-horned Grasshoppers)
- Subfamily
- Melanoplinae
- Tribe
- Melanoplini
- Genus
- Melanoplus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It strongly favors disturbed somewhat bare areas in grassland regions, where there is low weedy vegetation. It can be quite common within towns in yards and vacant lots and can occasionally be a garden pest. It is generally less than abundant in grasslands of good condition, but thrives in weedy over-used rangeland. In 1959, Arizona populations of the migratory and Lakin grasshopper infested weedy rangeland and together averaged 20 to 50 adults per square yard. Weedy city lots provide favorable breeding areas from which the grasshoppers may move into vegetable and flower gardens.
Geographic Range
Very common in much of the West, approximately from Wyoming to Minnesota, Texas, Arizona, and southward well into Mexico. It apparently does not range west past the east margin of the Great Basin, nor into the Mojave or Colorado Deserts. Approximate distribution map at ' Grasshoppers Their Biology, Identification and Management '
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on a wide variety of plant species, mostly using native herbaceous Dicots. However, it adapts well to areas dominated by introduced herbaceous weeds. It shows some preference for members of the Goosefoot Family - Chenopodiaceae (such as Atriplex, Salsola, Chenopodium , and Bassia ) and Asteraceae (such as Taraxicum, Lactuca, Sonchus , and Macheranthera ). Will also eat a variety of garden flowers, herbs, and vegetables, but rarely become a serious pest on them. While usually prefering somewhat bare weedy environments, populations can breed and proliferate in mowed grass lawn areas where the only available food appears to be lawn grasses (or perhaps the grasshoppers are eating any lawn weeds as they appear?).
Life History
Populations of the Lakin grasshopper can increase to high densities. Near La Junta, Colorado on 4 July 1996, nymphs (III to V instars) numbered 91 per square yard.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Melanoplus lakinus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Orthoptera includes ~28,000 described species of grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. Desert locusts can form swarms covering 460 square miles containing up to 80 million individuals per square kilometer.
Ecological role of the group
Grasshoppers and crickets are a primary food source for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Cricket farming is a growing industry - crickets require 12× less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein, using 2,000× less water.
Economic and practical significance of the group
A single large locust swarm can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people. The 2019-2021 East Africa locust crisis affected food security for 42 million people across multiple countries. Global crop losses from locusts can reach billions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, UN World Food Programme, research publications. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lakin Grasshopper (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , David Ferguson , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakin Grasshopper
Where is Lakin Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | It strongly favors disturbed somewhat bare areas in grassland regions, where there is low weedy vegetation. It can be quite common within towns in yards and vacant lots and can occasionally be a garden pest. It is generally less than abundant in grasslands of good condition, but thrives in weedy over-used rangeland. In 1959, Arizona populations of the migratory and Lakin grasshopper infested weedy rangeland and together averaged 20 to 50 adults per square yard. Weedy city lots provide favorable breeding areas from which the grasshoppers may move into vegetable and flower gardens. |
| Range | Very common in much of the West, approximately from Wyoming to Minnesota, Texas, Arizona, and southward well into Mexico. It apparently does not range west past the east margin of the Great Basin, nor into the Mojave or Colorado Deserts. Approximate distribution map at ' Grasshoppers Their Biology, Identification and Management ' |
What does Lakin Grasshopper eat?
The diet of the Lakin Grasshopper includes Feeds on a wide variety of plant species, mostly using native herbaceous Dicots. However, it adapts well to areas dominated by introduced herbaceous weeds. It shows some preference for members of the Goosefoot Family - Chenopodiaceae (such as Atriplex, Salsola, Chenopodium , and Bassia ) and Asteraceae (such as Taraxicum, Lactuca, Sonchus , and Macheranthera ). Will also eat a variety of garden flowers, herbs, and vegetables, but rarely become a serious pest on them. While usually prefering somewhat bare weedy environments, populations can breed and proliferate in mowed grass lawn areas where the only available food appears to be lawn grasses (or perhaps the grasshoppers are eating any lawn weeds as they appear?)..
What is the life cycle of a Lakin Grasshopper?
Populations of the Lakin grasshopper can increase to high densities. Near La Junta, Colorado on 4 July 1996, nymphs (III to V instars) numbered 91 per square yard.