Texas grasslands are home to the devastating migratory grasshopper that can decimate crops. Understanding the different types of grasshoppers in Texas is key for gardeners, farmers, and anyone who spends time outdoors. This guide covers the most common species you will encounter across the Lone Star State.
You might think a grasshopper is just a grasshopper. But Texas hosts over 150 species. Some are harmless. Others can cause serious damage to your yard or farm. Knowing which ones you are dealing with helps you manage them better.
Let us look at the main types of grasshoppers in Texas. We will cover their looks, habits, and how to spot them. This information is practical and easy to use.
Common Types Of Grasshoppers In Texas
The most common species fall into a few groups. These include the big, destructive ones and the smaller, less harmful varieties. Here are the ones you will see most often.
Migratory Grasshopper
This is the big one. The migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes) is a major pest. It can travel in large swarms. They eat almost any green plant they find. Crops like wheat, corn, and alfalfa are favorites.
- Appearance: Medium to large, brown or grayish. They have a distinct dark band behind the eye.
- Behavior: Highly mobile. They fly long distances. They gather in huge groups.
- Damage: Can strip entire fields. They are a serious threat to agriculture.
Differential Grasshopper
Another common pest. The differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is large and bulky. It prefers tall vegetation like weeds and crops.
- Appearance: Yellowish or brown with black chevron markings on the hind legs. Very large body.
- Behavior: Less mobile than the migratory type. They stay in one area if food is plentiful.
- Damage: Heavy feeding on soybeans, corn, and garden plants. They can defoliate trees.
Red-Legged Grasshopper
This species is smaller but still a pest. The red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is common in pastures and grasslands.
- Appearance: Brown or reddish with bright red hind legs. Small to medium size.
- Behavior: Active and quick. They prefer open areas with short grass.
- Damage: Feeds on grasses and legumes. Can damage hay fields and pastures.
Two-Striped Grasshopper
Easy to identify. The two-striped grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus) has two pale stripes running down its back. It is a large species.
- Appearance: Green or brown with two light yellow stripes from head to wings.
- Behavior: Prefers moist areas like ditches and irrigated fields.
- Damage: Eats a wide range of plants. Can be a problem in gardens and crops.
Lubber Grasshopper
This one is hard to miss. The eastern lubber grasshopper (Romalea microptera) is huge and colorful. It is mostly found in East Texas.
- Appearance: Black with yellow stripes. Bright red or orange wings. Very large and slow.
- Behavior: Does not fly well. It walks or hops. It is toxic to predators.
- Damage: Feeds on many plants but rarely causes major crop damage. More of a garden nuisance.
Carolina Grasshopper
A camouflaged species. The Carolina grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina) blends into bare soil. It is common in dry, open areas.
- Appearance: Brown or gray with dark wings. When it flies, you see black wings with a yellow border.
- Behavior: Prefers disturbed ground like roadsides and fields.
- Damage: Feeds on grasses and weeds. Usually not a major pest.
Identifying Grasshoppers By Region In Texas
Texas is big. Different parts of the state have different grasshopper populations. Here is a breakdown by region.
East Texas
This area is wetter. You will find lubber grasshoppers and two-striped grasshoppers. The humidity supports more vegetation. Grasshoppers here are often larger.
- Common species: Lubber, two-striped, differential.
- Habitat: Forests, gardens, moist fields.
- Tip: Check plants near water sources.
Central Texas
Mixed landscape. Central Texas has grasslands and hills. You see a mix of migratory and red-legged grasshoppers. The weather is variable.
- Common species: Migratory, red-legged, differential.
- Habitat: Pastures, croplands, yards.
- Tip: Look for them in tall grass and along fence lines.
West Texas
Dry and arid. Grasshoppers here are adapted to low moisture. The Carolina grasshopper and some small spur-throated species are common.
- Common species: Carolina, migratory, small spur-throated.
- Habitat: Bare ground, short grass, desert scrub.
- Tip: They are active in early morning and evening.
South Texas
Hot and humid near the coast. You find many species here. The differential grasshopper is common. Also look for the Texas grasshopper (Schistocerca texana).
- Common species: Differential, Texas grasshopper, migratory.
- Habitat: Coastal plains, brushlands, farms.
- Tip: They can be very abundant after wet springs.
Life Cycle And Behavior Of Texas Grasshoppers
Understanding their life cycle helps you control them. Grasshoppers go through simple metamorphosis. They have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.
Egg Stage
Female grasshoppers lay eggs in the soil. They use a special organ called an ovipositor. The eggs are in a pod, covered with a foamy substance. This protects them over winter.
- Egg pods are usually 1-2 inches deep.
- One female can lay 10-20 pods.
- Eggs hatch in spring when soil warms up.
Nymph Stage
Young grasshoppers are called nymphs. They look like adults but have no wings. They molt several times. Each stage is called an instar.
- Nymphs eat the same food as adults.
- They grow quickly in warm weather.
- This stage lasts 4-6 weeks.
Adult Stage
Adults have fully developed wings. They can fly and mate. Most species live for 2-3 months as adults. They feed heavily to store energy for reproduction.
- Adults are most active in summer.
- Mating happens in late summer.
- Females lay eggs before dying in fall.
Impact On Agriculture And Gardens
Grasshoppers can be a big problem. They eat a lot. A swarm can destroy a field in days. Here is how they affect different areas.
Crop Damage
Major crops at risk include wheat, corn, sorghum, and cotton. Grasshoppers eat leaves, stems, and even the grain heads. This reduces yield.
- Migratory grasshoppers are the worst.
- Differential grasshoppers also cause heavy damage.
- Damage is worse in dry years when food is scarce.
Garden Damage
Home gardens are not safe. Grasshoppers eat vegetables, flowers, and shrubs. They prefer tender plants like beans, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Lubber grasshoppers can strip small plants.
- Red-legged grasshoppers attack leafy greens.
- Use row covers to protect young plants.
Pasture And Rangeland
Ranchers lose forage to grasshoppers. They compete with livestock for grass. In bad years, grasshoppers can reduce grazing capacity by half.
- Two-striped grasshoppers prefer grass.
- Carolina grasshoppers eat weeds but also grass.
- Monitor pastures in early summer.
How To Control Grasshoppers
You have several options. Choose based on the size of your area and the severity of the problem. Here are practical steps.
Natural Control Methods
These are safe for the environment. They work best for small infestations.
- Encourage predators: Birds, spiders, and praying mantises eat grasshoppers. Attract them to your yard.
- Use neem oil: Spray on plants. It repels grasshoppers and disrupts their growth.
- Apply diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle around plants. It cuts their bodies and dehydrates them.
- Introduce nematodes: These tiny worms attack grasshopper eggs in the soil.
Chemical Control Methods
For large infestations, chemicals may be needed. Use them carefully.
- Baits: Mix insecticide with bran or molasses. Grasshoppers eat it and die.
- Sprays: Use pyrethroid or carbaryl sprays. Apply in the evening when bees are less active.
- Systemic insecticides: Absorbed by plants. Grasshoppers die when they feed.
Cultural Control Methods
Prevent problems before they start.
- Till soil in fall: Exposes egg pods to cold and predators.
- Mow grass short: Reduces habitat for nymphs.
- Rotate crops: Disrupts grasshopper life cycles.
- Plant trap crops: Use a border of sunflowers or millet to attract grasshoppers away from main crops.
Beneficial Grasshoppers
Not all grasshoppers are bad. Some help the ecosystem. They are food for wildlife and help cycle nutrients.
Food For Wildlife
Grasshoppers are a key food source for many animals. Birds, lizards, snakes, and small mammals eat them. Without grasshoppers, these animals would struggle.
- Quail and turkey chicks need grasshoppers for protein.
- Roadrunners hunt them in dry areas.
- Bats catch them in flight.
Nutrient Cycling
Grasshoppers eat plants and return nutrients to the soil through their waste. This helps fertilize the ground naturally.
- Their droppings add nitrogen.
- They break down plant material.
- They are part of a healthy ecosystem.
Grasshopper Species To Watch For
Some species are more important than others. Here are a few more you might encounter.
Texas Grasshopper
This species (Schistocerca texana) is native to the state. It is large and brown. It looks like a desert locust but is less destructive.
- Found in South and Central Texas.
- Feeds on mesquite and other shrubs.
- Can be a pest in orchards.
Spur-Throated Grasshoppers
This group includes many species. They have a small spur on the underside of the thorax. They are common in grasslands.
- Small to medium size.
- Often brown or green.
- Most are not major pests.
Bird Grasshoppers
These are large and slender. They look like birds when they fly. The American bird grasshopper (Schistocerca americana) is one example.
- Found across Texas.
- Feeds on many plants.
- Can be a pest in gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about grasshoppers in Texas.
What is the most destructive grasshopper in Texas?
The migratory grasshopper is the most destructive. It forms large swarms and eats many crops. The differential grasshopper is also very damaging.
How can I tell a grasshopper from a locust?
Locusts are a type of grasshopper that can change behavior. They form swarms when conditions are right. In Texas, the migratory grasshopper acts like a locust.
Are lubber grasshoppers poisonous?
They are not poisonous to humans. But they are toxic to some animals. They secrete a foul-smelling foam when threatened. Do not let pets eat them.
What time of year are grasshoppers worst in Texas?
Late summer is the worst time. Nymphs become adults in July and August. They feed heavily before laying eggs. This is when you see the most damage.
Can grasshoppers bite humans?
They can bite if handled. But it is rare. Their mandibles are for chewing plants. A bite might pinch but is not dangerous.
Conclusion
Texas is home to many types of grasshoppers. From the destructive migratory grasshopper to the colorful lubber, each species has its own role. Knowing which ones you have helps you manage them better.
Remember to check your garden and fields regularly. Early detection makes control easier. Use natural methods first. Only turn to chemicals if the problem is severe.
Grasshoppers are a natural part of the Texas landscape. With the right knowledge, you can protect your plants and still appreciate these fascinating insects. Keep an eye on the weather and your plants. That is the best way to stay ahead of them.