Washington’s varied climate supports both the red-legged and the clear-winged grasshopper species, making it a fascinating place to learn about the types of grasshoppers in Washington. Whether you are a gardener, a hiker, or just curious about local insects, understanding these common bugs helps you identify them quickly. Grasshoppers are everywhere here, from dry eastern plains to wet western forests. Let’s look at the main species you might see and how to tell them apart.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Washington
Washington state has over 100 grasshopper species, but only a few are really common. Most are harmless to gardens, though some can become pests in large numbers. The climate varies a lot across the state, so different grasshoppers live in different regions. Knowing the main types helps you understand what is hopping around your yard or trail.
Red-Legged Grasshopper
This is one of the most widespread species in Washington. You will find it in grasslands, farm fields, and even suburban lawns. Its name comes from the bright red or orange color on its back legs. The body is usually brown or gray, with a pattern that helps it hide in dry grass.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
- Color: Brown or gray with red hind legs
- Habitat: Open fields, roadsides, gardens
- Diet: Grasses, weeds, and some crop plants
Red-legged grasshoppers are active from late spring through early fall. They make a buzzing sound when they fly. If you see a grasshopper with bright red legs, that is likely this species. They are not usually a big problem for gardens unless there are many of them.
Clear-Winged Grasshopper
This species is common in eastern Washington, especially in dry areas. Its wings are clear with a slight tint, and it has a yellowish or greenish body. The clear-winged grasshopper is known for its loud, crackling flight sound. It prefers open, sunny spots with short grass.
- Size: 1 to 1.2 inches long
- Color: Yellowish or green with clear wings
- Habitat: Dry prairies, sagebrush areas, pastures
- Diet: Grasses and some broadleaf plants
Clear-winged grasshoppers can gather in large groups during dry years. They sometimes damage hay fields or rangeland. But in most years, they are just part of the natural landscape. Their clear wings make them easy to spot when they fly.
Two-Striped Grasshopper
This large grasshopper has two pale stripes running down its back. It is common in western Washington, near rivers and moist meadows. The body is usually brown or olive, with a yellow stripe on each side. Two-striped grasshoppers are strong fliers and can travel far.
- Size: 1.2 to 1.8 inches long
- Color: Brown or olive with two light stripes
- Habitat: Moist grasslands, riverbanks, crop fields
- Diet: Grasses, clover, alfalfa
These grasshoppers are more common in areas with irrigation or regular rain. They can be pests in alfalfa fields if numbers get high. But in most gardens, they are just occasional visitors. Look for the two stripes to identify them.
Migratory Grasshopper
This species is famous for forming large swarms in other parts of the world. In Washington, it is less dramatic but still common in dry areas. The migratory grasshopper is medium-sized, with a brown or gray body and dark spots on its wings. It has a distinct ridge on its thorax.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long
- Color: Brown or gray with dark wing spots
- Habitat: Dry grasslands, sagebrush, farm edges
- Diet: Grasses and some crops
Migratory grasshoppers are most common in eastern Washington. They can travel in groups, but not as large as in other regions. They are active from June to September. Their dark wing spots help separate them from other species.
Differential Grasshopper
This is one of the largest grasshoppers in the state. It has a yellowish or green body with black markings on its legs. The differential grasshopper prefers moist, weedy areas. It is often found near irrigation ditches or in gardens with lots of plants.
- Size: 1.4 to 2 inches long
- Color: Yellowish or green with black leg markings
- Habitat: Weedy fields, gardens, irrigated areas
- Diet: Broadleaf plants, vegetables, grasses
These grasshoppers can damage vegetable gardens if they get inside. They eat leaves and stems, sometimes killing young plants. But they are not as common as red-legged or clear-winged species. Their large size makes them easy to spot.
Carolina Grasshopper
This species is well-camouflaged against soil and rocks. It has a gray or brown body with small spots. The Carolina grasshopper is common in dry, sandy areas of eastern Washington. It is not a strong flier, but it can jump far.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
- Color: Gray or brown with spots
- Habitat: Sandy soils, gravel areas, dry fields
- Diet: Grasses and weeds
Carolina grasshoppers are often seen on dirt roads or rocky slopes. They blend in so well that you might step on one before seeing it. They are not pests and rarely bother gardens. Their camoflage is their main defense.
Green-Striped Grasshopper
This grasshopper has a bright green stripe down its back. It is common in western Washington, especially in damp meadows and forest edges. The body is brown or tan, with a green stripe that stands out. It is a medium-sized species.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long
- Color: Brown with a green stripe
- Habitat: Moist meadows, forest clearings, gardens
- Diet: Grasses and soft plants
Green-striped grasshoppers are active in late summer. They are not common in large numbers, so they rarely cause problems. Their green stripe makes them easy to identify. Look for them on tall grass or low bushes.
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Washington
Identifying grasshoppers is easier if you look at a few key features. You do not need to catch them, just watch from a distance. Here are the main things to check.
Body Color And Markings
Most grasshoppers are brown, gray, or green. But look for special markings like stripes or spots. Red legs mean red-legged grasshopper. Two stripes mean two-striped grasshopper. Green stripe means green-striped grasshopper. These patterns are the easiest way to tell species apart.
Wing Shape And Color
Wings can be clear, spotted, or solid. Clear wings are common in clear-winged grasshoppers. Dark spots are typical of migratory grasshoppers. The shape of the wings also matters. Long wings mean the grasshopper can fly far. Short wings mean it prefers jumping.
Size And Body Shape
Size varies a lot. Differential grasshoppers are large, while clear-winged ones are smaller. Body shape can be slender or robust. Some have a ridge on their thorax, like the migratory grasshopper. Others have a smooth back.
Habitat And Location
Where you see the grasshopper helps narrow it down. Eastern Washington has more dry-adapted species like clear-winged and Carolina grasshoppers. Western Washington has more moisture-loving species like two-striped and green-striped grasshoppers. Gardens attract many species, but red-legged and differential are most common there.
Where To Find Different Grasshopper Species
Grasshoppers are not evenly spread across Washington. Each species prefers a specific habitat. Here is a quick guide to where you might find each one.
Eastern Washington
- Clear-winged grasshopper: Dry prairies and sagebrush
- Migratory grasshopper: Dry grasslands and farm edges
- Carolina grasshopper: Sandy soils and gravel areas
- Red-legged grasshopper: Open fields and roadsides
Western Washington
- Two-striped grasshopper: Moist meadows and riverbanks
- Green-striped grasshopper: Damp meadows and forest edges
- Differential grasshopper: Weedy fields and gardens
- Red-legged grasshopper: Lawns and gardens
Statewide
Red-legged grasshoppers are found everywhere in Washington. They adapt to many habitats, from dry to wet. Clear-winged grasshoppers are mostly in the east, but they can appear in the west during dry years. Two-striped grasshoppers are mostly in the west, but they can live in irrigated areas of the east.
Grasshopper Life Cycle In Washington
Understanding the life cycle helps you know when to expect grasshoppers. Most species follow a similar pattern. They lay eggs in the soil in late summer or fall. The eggs stay there through winter. In spring, nymphs hatch and start eating. They grow through several molts before becoming adults in summer. Adults mate and lay eggs, then die in fall.
Egg Stage
Female grasshoppers dig a hole in the soil and lay a pod of eggs. The pod is covered with a foam that hardens. Eggs can survive freezing temperatures. They stay dormant until spring warmth triggers hatching.
Nymph Stage
Nymphs look like small adults but without wings. They eat and grow, molting several times. Each molt makes them larger. Nymphs are more vulnerable to predators than adults. They stay close to the ground and feed on tender plants.
Adult Stage
Adults have fully developed wings and can fly. They are most active in warm weather. Mating happens in late summer. After laying eggs, adults die as temperatures drop. Some species live longer into fall than others.
Grasshoppers In Gardens And Farms
Grasshoppers can be both helpful and harmful. They eat weeds and provide food for birds. But in large numbers, they damage crops and garden plants. Here is how to manage them without using harsh chemicals.
Natural Predators
Birds, spiders, and rodents eat grasshoppers. Encouraging these predators helps keep numbers down. Plant native flowers to attract birds. Leave some areas wild for spiders and lizards. Avoid using pesticides that kill beneficial insects.
Physical Barriers
Row covers and netting protect plants from grasshoppers. Use fine mesh that lets in light and water but keeps bugs out. This works well for small gardens. Remove covers when plants need pollination.
Habitat Management
Keep grass short around gardens to reduce hiding places. Remove weeds that grasshoppers like to eat. Mow field edges to limit their breeding areas. This makes your garden less attractive to them.
Common Questions About Washington Grasshoppers
Are grasshoppers dangerous to humans?
No, grasshoppers do not bite or sting. They are harmless to people. Some species can pinch with their mandibles if handled roughly, but it is not painful. They are more of a nuisance than a threat.
What do grasshoppers eat in Washington?
Most grasshoppers eat grasses and weeds. Some species also eat crop plants like alfalfa, wheat, and vegetables. They prefer tender leaves and stems. In gardens, they may eat lettuce, beans, and other soft plants.
How long do grasshoppers live?
Adult grasshoppers live for about two to three months. The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes about one year. Most adults die in fall after laying eggs. The eggs survive winter and hatch the next spring.
Why are there so many grasshoppers some years?
Grasshopper populations fluctuate with weather. Warm, dry springs help eggs hatch and nymphs survive. Wet weather can kill nymphs or promote fungal diseases that reduce numbers. Every few years, conditions are perfect for a population boom.
Can grasshoppers damage my lawn?
Grasshoppers rarely damage lawns because they prefer taller plants. They might eat some grass blades, but not enough to harm the lawn. If you see bare patches, it is probably from other causes like grubs or drought.
Tips For Observing Grasshoppers Safely
Watching grasshoppers is fun and educational. Here are some tips to do it safely and effectively.
- Approach slowly. Grasshoppers have good eyesight and will jump away if you move fast.
- Look for them in the morning. They are less active when it is cool and easier to observe.
- Use a camera or phone to take pictures. This helps you identify them later.
- Do not handle them roughly. They can lose legs if grabbed too hard.
- Watch from a distance to see their natural behavior, like feeding or flying.
Grasshoppers are an important part of Washington’s ecosystem. They recycle nutrients and feed wildlife. Learning about the different types helps you appreciate the diversity around you. Next time you see a grasshopper, take a moment to look at its legs, wings, and markings. You might be able to name the species.
Grasshopper Species Comparison Table
Here is a quick reference for the main species discussed. Use it to identify grasshoppers in your area.
| Species | Size | Color | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-Legged | 1-1.5 in | Brown, red legs | Open fields |
| Clear-Winged | 1-1.2 in | Yellowish, clear wings | Dry prairies |
| Two-Striped | 1.2-1.8 in | Brown, two stripes | Moist meadows |
| Migratory | 0.8-1.2 in | Brown, dark spots | Dry grasslands |
| Differential | 1.4-2 in | Yellowish, black legs | Weedy fields |
| Carolina | 1-1.5 in | Gray, spotted | Sandy soils |
| Green-Striped | 0.8-1.2 in | Brown, green stripe | Moist meadows |
This table covers the most common types of grasshoppers in Washington. Use it as a starting point for identification. Remember that individual variation occurs, so some grasshoppers may not match perfectly. But the key features like leg color, stripes, and habitat are reliable clues.
Final Thoughts On Washington Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are a normal part of Washington’s outdoors. They are not something to fear, but they are worth understanding. Whether you see them in your garden, on a hike, or in a farm field, you now know how to identify the main species. The red-legged grasshopper is the most common, but keep an eye out for the clear-winged one in dry areas. Each species has its own habits and habitat. Learning them makes your time outside more interesting. So next time you hear that buzzing sound, look around. You might spot one of the many types of grasshoppers in Washington doing its thing.