Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper
Melanoplus scudderi
This record describes Melanoplus scudderi (species). Recorded family: Acrididae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wings | Wings short, shorter than pronotum or slightly longer. |
| Coloration | Coloration brown to reddish brown. Hind femorae do not have bands on their outer faces, as in many Melanoplus , but may have two dark spots on top. Tibiae reddish. The oval forewings almost overlap above. Dark stripe behind eye may be present, but is often weak or absent. Found late in season, into late fall. Apparently the most abundant of the short-winged Melanoplus in many areas. Reference works state this is perhaps really a group of closely related species. Tip of male abdomen |
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
Open woodland, brushy areas, forest edges.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States and parts of southern Canada
Seasonal Activity
Typically fall into early winter. August-December (eastern North Carolina). August-November (Michigan).
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on forbs and other broad-leafed plants.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Melanoplus scudderi. 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 Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , metrioptera , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper
What is Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper?
Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper (Melanoplus scudderi) is a species in the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 14-20 mm |
| Female | 22-26 mm |
How do you identify Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wings | Wings short, shorter than pronotum or slightly longer. |
| Coloration | Coloration brown to reddish brown. Hind femorae do not have bands on their outer faces, as in many Melanoplus , but may have two dark spots on top. Tibiae reddish. The oval forewings almost overlap above. Dark stripe behind eye may be present, but is often weak or absent. Found late in season, into late fall. Apparently the most abundant of the short-winged Melanoplus in many areas. Reference works state this is perhaps really a group of closely related species. Tip of male abdomen |
Where is Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open woodland, brushy areas, forest edges. |
| Range | Eastern United States and parts of southern Canada |
What does Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper eat?
The diet of the Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper includes Feeds on forbs and other broad-leafed plants..
When is Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper active?
Scudder's Short-wing Grasshopper: seasonal activity - Typically fall into early winter. August-December (eastern North Carolina). August-November (Michigan)..