Maine’s northern forests and rocky coastal areas provide a cooler home for grasshoppers adapted to these conditions. If you’re curious about the types of grasshoppers in Maine, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers the most common species you might spot in your backyard, along a hiking trail, or near a salt marsh.
Grasshoppers are fascinating insects. They play a big role in the ecosystem, serving as food for birds and other animals. Some can be pests, but most are harmless to your garden. Let’s look at the main species found across the Pine Tree State.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Maine
Maine is home to several dozen grasshopper species. The cooler climate means you won’t find the huge swarms seen in warmer states. Instead, you’ll see a mix of native and introduced species that thrive in fields, forests, and wetlands. Below is a breakdown of the most common groups.
Common Meadow Grasshoppers
These are the grasshoppers you see most often in open fields and along roadsides. They are medium-sized and come in shades of green, brown, or gray. Their coloring helps them blend in with grass and weeds.
- Red-Legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum): This is probably the most common grasshopper in Maine. It has bright red or orange lower legs. You’ll find it in grassy areas from late spring through fall.
- Two-Striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus): Look for two pale yellow stripes running down its back. It is larger than the red-legged variety. It prefers moist areas like ditches and field edges.
- Migratory Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes): This species can form small swarms in some years. It has a dark band on its hind leg. It is common in dry, open habitats.
Forest And Woodland Species
Maine has lots of forests, and some grasshoppers prefer shady, wooded areas. These species are often darker in color. They are less likely to be seen than meadow grasshoppers.
- Carolina Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina): This is a large, brownish-gray grasshopper. It has dark hind wings with a pale border. When it flies, it looks like a butterfly. You’ll find it on bare ground or gravel paths in sunny spots near woods.
- Northern Green-Striped Grasshopper (Chortophaga viridifasciata): This species is bright green with a yellow stripe on its back. It appears early in spring, earlier than most other grasshoppers. It lives in damp meadows and forest clearings.
Grasshoppers Of Wetlands And Coasts
Maine’s coastline and marshes have their own unique grasshoppers. These insects are adapted to salty or very wet conditions. They are often overlooked but are important parts of the coastal ecosystem.
- Seaside Grasshopper (Trimerotropis maritima): This grasshopper lives on sandy beaches and dunes. It is gray or tan with dark bands on its wings. It blends perfectly with sand and pebbles.
- Marsh Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus curtipennis): Found in salt marshes and wet meadows. It is small and brown. It can be hard to spot among marsh grasses.
Introduced Species
Not all grasshoppers in Maine are native. A few species have been brought here accidentally. They usually live in disturbed areas like farms and roadsides.
- European Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus): This small, brown grasshopper came from Europe. It is now common in grassy fields across the state. It has short wings and cannot fly well.
- Club-Legged Grasshopper (Gomphocerus sibiricus): This is a northern species that may have spread into Maine from Canada. It has thick, club-shaped antennae. It lives in cool, damp meadows.
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Maine
Identifying grasshoppers can be tricky. Many species look alike. Here are some simple steps to help you figure out what you are seeing.
- Look at the color and markings: Note the main body color. Check for stripes, spots, or bands on the legs and wings.
- Check the size: Measure or estimate the length. Most common species are between 1 and 2 inches long.
- Observe the habitat: Where did you find it? In a field, forest, or near water? This can narrow down the possibilities.
- Watch its behavior: Does it fly far when disturbed? Some species are strong fliers, while others hop short distances.
- Use a field guide: A good insect guide or online resource can help with identification. Take a photo for later comparison.
Remember that young grasshoppers (nymphs) look different from adults. They have small wing buds and are often a different color. You might need to wait until they mature to get a positive ID.
Key Features To Note
- Antennae: Are they long and thin, or short and club-shaped?
- Hind legs: Look for bands or bright colors on the femur (upper leg) and tibia (lower leg).
- Wings: Are the forewings plain or patterned? Are the hind wings colored?
- Pronotum: This is the shield-like plate behind the head. Some species have ridges or bumps on it.
Where To Find Grasshoppers In Maine
Grasshoppers are everywhere, but some spots are better than others for seeing them. Here are the best places to look.
Fields And Meadows
Open, grassy areas are the most productive. Look in:
- Abandoned farm fields
- Roadside verges
- Lawns that are not mowed too short
- Hayfields (but be careful of farm equipment)
Forest Edges And Clearings
Where the woods meet the field, you find a mix of species. Look along trails and in sunny patches.
- Power line cuts
- Logging roads
- Forest openings
Wetlands And Shorelines
For the coastal and marsh species, visit:
- Salt marshes along the coast
- Freshwater marshes and bogs
- Sandy beaches and dunes
- Riverbanks and lake shores
When To See Grasshoppers In Maine
Grasshopper season in Maine runs from late spring to early fall. The timing depends on the species and the weather.
- May to June: Early species like the northern green-striped grasshopper appear. Nymphs are common.
- July to August: Peak season. Most adults are active. This is the best time for diversity.
- September to October: Late species are still around. Some adults survive until the first hard frost.
On warm, sunny days, grasshoppers are most active. They are cold-blooded and need heat to move. Early morning or late evening, they are slower and easier to catch.
Are Grasshoppers Pests In Maine?
Most grasshoppers in Maine do not cause serious damage. They eat grass and leaves, but populations are usually small. However, in some years, conditions allow numbers to explode. This can happen after a dry spring or summer.
When grasshoppers become abundant, they can damage crops and gardens. They eat the leaves of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The red-legged and two-striped grasshoppers are the most likely to become pests.
If you have a problem, you can try:
- Encouraging natural predators like birds, spiders, and praying mantises
- Using row covers on vulnerable plants
- Keeping grass short around gardens
- Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil for small infestations
Remember that grasshoppers are also food for many animals. A few in your garden are not a big deal. Only take action if they are causing real damage.
Interesting Facts About Maine Grasshoppers
Here are some cool things you might not know about these insects.
- Grasshoppers can jump 20 times their own body length. That is like a human jumping the length of a basketball court.
- They make sounds by rubbing their hind legs against their wings. This is called stridulation. Males do it to attract females.
- Some species can change color based on their environment. A green grasshopper might turn brown if it lives in dry grass.
- Grasshoppers have ears on their abdomen, not on their head. They are located on the first segment of the belly.
- In Maine, the largest grasshopper is the Carolina grasshopper, which can reach 2 inches in length.
How To Attract Grasshoppers To Your Yard
If you want to see more grasshoppers, you can make your yard more inviting. Here are some tips.
- Let some grass grow tall: Grasshoppers need tall grass for shelter and food. Avoid mowing everything short.
- Plant native wildflowers: These provide nectar and pollen. Grasshoppers eat the leaves, and flowers attract other insects.
- Provide bare soil patches: Some grasshoppers lay eggs in bare ground. Leave a small area of soil exposed.
- Avoid pesticides: These kill grasshoppers and their food sources. Use natural methods if you have pests.
- Create a sunny spot: Grasshoppers love warmth. A south-facing slope or open area will attract them.
Common Look-Alikes
Some insects look like grasshoppers but are not. Here is how to tell them apart.
- Katydids: These are related to grasshoppers but have very long antennae. Grasshoppers have short antennae. Katydids are also usually green and leaf-like.
- Crickets: Crickets have long antennae too. They are often black or brown. They make sounds by rubbing their wings together, not their legs.
- Locusts: Locusts are actually a type of grasshopper. But in Maine, we do not have true locusts that form huge swarms. The term is sometimes used for the migratory grasshopper.
If you see an insect with very long antennae, it is not a grasshopper. It is a katydid or cricket.
Grasshopper Life Cycle In Maine
Understanding the life cycle helps you know when to look for different stages.
- Egg: Female grasshoppers lay eggs in the soil in late summer or fall. The eggs are in a pod-like structure. They overwinter and hatch in spring.
- Nymph: The young grasshopper looks like a small adult but has no wings. It molts several times as it grows. This stage lasts 4 to 6 weeks.
- Adult: The final molt gives the grasshopper fully developed wings. Adults mate and lay eggs. Most adults die by late fall.
In Maine, most species have one generation per year. Some early species might have a partial second generation in warm years.
Conservation And Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are not endangered in Maine. But some species are less common than others. Habitat loss is a threat to all insects. You can help by preserving natural areas and reducing pesticide use.
Some rare species might be found in specific habitats like coastal dunes or alpine areas. If you find an unusual grasshopper, note the location and report it to a local naturalist group or university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common grasshopper in Maine?
The red-legged grasshopper is the most common species. You can find it in almost any grassy area across the state.
Are there any poisonous grasshoppers in Maine?
No, there are no poisonous grasshoppers in Maine. Some species can bite if handled, but the bite is harmless. They are safe to observe.
Can grasshoppers damage my garden in Maine?
Yes, but only if there are many of them. In most years, the damage is minor. If you see a lot of grasshoppers, you can protect your plants with row covers.
When do grasshoppers come out in Maine?
They start appearing in late May or June. The peak season is July and August. You can see them until the first frost in October.
How do I tell a grasshopper from a cricket?
Look at the antennae. Grasshoppers have short antennae, while crickets have long, thin ones. Also, grasshoppers are active during the day, while crickets are often active at night.
Final Thoughts On Maine Grasshoppers
Maine has a surprising variety of grasshoppers. From the common red-legged species to the rare seaside grasshopper, each has its own niche. The next time you walk through a field or along a beach, take a moment to look for these insects. They are a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Learning to identify the types of grasshoppers in Maine is a fun hobby. It connects you to the natural world. You might even discover a species you never noticed before. So grab a field guide, head outside, and start looking. You will be amazed at what you find.