Types Of Grasshoppers In Maryland : Mid-Atlantic Garden Species

Maryland’s varied terrain, from the Chesapeake Bay shores to the Appalachian ridges, supports multiple grasshopper types. Understanding the types of grasshoppers in Maryland helps you identify these insects in your backyard or during a hike. This guide covers common species, their habitats, and key identification tips.

Grasshoppers are fascinating creatures that play important roles in local ecosystems. They serve as food for birds, reptiles, and other predators. Some species can become garden pests, while others are harmless and beneficial.

You might encounter grasshoppers in fields, forests, or even your lawn. Their colors and sizes vary widely, making identification tricky. This article breaks down the most common species you will find in the state.

Common Types Of Grasshoppers In Maryland

Maryland hosts over 100 grasshopper species, but only a few are frequently seen. The following list covers the most common ones you are likely to spot.

Red-Legged Grasshopper

This is one of the most widespread species in North America. You can find it in meadows, roadsides, and agricultural fields across Maryland.

Appearance: Brown or gray body with red or pinkish hind legs. Wings are often spotted.
Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long.
Behavior: Active during the day, feeds on grasses and weeds.
Habitat: Open, sunny areas with short vegetation.

Differential Grasshopper

This species is larger and more robust than the red-legged grasshopper. It prefers moist, low-lying areas like marshes and riverbanks.

Appearance: Yellowish-brown with black chevron markings on the hind legs.
Size: 1.2 to 1.8 inches long.
Behavior: Can be a pest in gardens and crops, especially in wet years.
Habitat: Damp meadows, ditches, and along waterways.

Carolina Grasshopper

Also known as the Carolina locust, this species is common in dry, sandy areas. You will often see it on dirt roads or bare patches of ground.

Appearance: Gray or brown with a distinct black band on the hind wing. Body is stocky.
Size: 1.2 to 1.6 inches long.
Behavior: Camouflages well against soil. Flies short distances with a buzzing sound.
Habitat: Sandy fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

Two-Striped Grasshopper

This species has two pale yellow stripes running down its back. It is common in grassy areas and along forest edges.

Appearance: Green or brown with two light stripes from head to wing tips.
Size: 1 to 1.4 inches long.
Behavior: Feeds on a variety of plants, including crops like alfalfa.
Habitat: Fields, pastures, and open woodlands.

American Bird Grasshopper

This is one of the largest grasshoppers in Maryland. It is a strong flier and can be found in tall grass and shrubs.

Appearance: Green or brown with a prominent, slanted face. Hind legs are long and powerful.
Size: 1.5 to 2.5 inches long.
Behavior: Active in late summer and fall. Often seen on goldenrod and other wildflowers.
Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, and overgrown fields.

Less Common But Notable Species

While the species above are common, you might also encounter these less frequent visitors. They have unique features worth noting.

Meadow Grasshopper

This small, slender grasshopper is often overlooked. It prefers damp, grassy habitats.

Appearance: Green or brown with a narrow body. Antennae are long and thin.
Size: 0.6 to 1 inch long.
Behavior: Weak flier, mostly hops through grass.
Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and along streams.

Spur-Throated Grasshopper

This group includes several species that are common in Maryland. They are named for a small spur on the underside of the thorax.

Appearance: Variable colors, but most have a distinct pattern on the pronotum (the plate behind the head).
Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long.
Behavior: Often found in mixed vegetation, including gardens.
Habitat: Fields, lawns, and forest clearings.

Slant-Faced Grasshopper

These grasshoppers have a slanted face and prefer dry, open areas. They are less common in Maryland than other groups.

Appearance: Long, slender body with a pointed head. Colors range from green to brown.
Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long.
Behavior: Feed on grasses and sedges. They are good jumpers but poor fliers.
Habitat: Dry, sandy soils and open grasslands.

How To Identify Grasshoppers In Maryland

Identifying grasshoppers can be fun if you know what to look for. Follow these steps to narrow down the species.

Look at the body shape. Is it stocky or slender? Large or small? This helps separate groups like bird grasshoppers from slant-faced ones.
Check the legs. Are the hind legs red, striped, or plain? Markings on the legs are key identifiers.
Examine the wings. Do they have spots, bands, or solid colors? Wing patterns vary widely.
Note the habitat. Where did you find it? Wet areas, dry fields, or forests? Different species prefer different environments.
Observe behavior. Does it fly far or just hop? Some species are strong fliers, while others are not.

You can also use a field guide or app for more detailed identification. Many resources are available online for free.

Key Features To Compare

When you have a grasshopper in hand, focus on these specific features. They are the most reliable for identification.

Pronotum shape: The plate behind the head can be smooth or ridged.
Antennae length: Short antennae (shorter than the body) are common in grasshoppers. Long antennae (longer than the body) indicate a katydid or cricket.
Hind leg markings: Look for stripes, spots, or solid colors on the femur (upper leg).
Wing length: Do the wings cover the abdomen fully or partially? Short-winged species are less common.
Body color: Green, brown, gray, or mixed? Some species change color based on habitat.

Grasshopper Habitats In Maryland

Different grasshoppers prefer different habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find specific species.

Coastal Plains And Shorelines

Along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast, you will find species adapted to sandy soils. The Carolina grasshopper is common here.

Look in dunes, salt marshes, and sandy fields.
Species here are often camouflaged to match sand and dry grass.

Piedmont Region

This central area has rolling hills and mixed forests. Grasshoppers here are diverse, including red-legged and differential species.

Check meadows, pastures, and forest edges.
Moist areas near streams host more species.

Appalachian Mountains

In western Maryland, cooler temperatures and higher elevations affect grasshopper populations. You will find fewer species here, but some are unique.

Look in mountain meadows and rocky outcrops.
Species like the meadow grasshopper are more common here.

Grasshopper Life Cycle In Maryland

Understanding the life cycle helps you know when to expect grasshoppers. Most species follow a similar pattern.

Egg stage: Eggs are laid in the soil in late summer or fall. They overwinter and hatch in spring.
Nymph stage: Young grasshoppers (nymphs) look like adults but lack wings. They molt several times as they grow.
Adult stage: Adults emerge in mid-to-late summer. They mate and lay eggs before dying in fall.

Some species have one generation per year, while others may have two in warmer areas. The timing varies by species and location.

Grasshoppers As Garden Pests

While most grasshoppers are harmless, some can damage gardens and crops. The differential grasshopper is the most problematic in Maryland.

Signs Of Damage

Holes in leaves, especially on vegetables and flowers.
Chewed stems and fruits.
Large numbers of grasshoppers in one area.

Control Methods

If you need to manage grasshoppers, try these methods first.

Encourage predators: Birds, spiders, and praying mantises eat grasshoppers. Provide habitat for them.
Use row covers: Protect young plants with lightweight fabric.
Apply neem oil: This natural repellent can deter grasshoppers.
Handpick: Remove grasshoppers by hand if numbers are small.

Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides, as they harm beneficial insects too. Focus on prevention and natural controls.

Beneficial Roles Of Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are not just pests. They play important roles in the ecosystem.

Food source: They are a key food for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Nutrient cycling: Their droppings fertilize the soil.
Plant control: They help keep plant growth in check, especially in meadows.

Without grasshoppers, many predators would struggle to find food. They are a vital part of the food web.

Interesting Facts About Maryland Grasshoppers

Here are some fun facts you might not know.

The American bird grasshopper can jump up to 20 times its body length.
Some grasshoppers change color based on their environment, a trait called phenotypic plasticity.
Grasshoppers have ears on their abdomen, not on their head.
The Carolina grasshopper can produce a loud buzzing sound when flying.
Male grasshoppers sing by rubbing their wings or legs together to attract females.

How To Observe Grasshoppers Safely

If you want to watch grasshoppers up close, follow these tips.

Move slowly: Sudden movements scare them away.
Use a net: A butterfly net helps catch them without harm.
Handle gently: Hold them by the body, not the legs, to avoid injury.
Release after observation: Let them go where you found them.

Grasshoppers are delicate, so be careful not to damage their legs or wings. They are best observed in their natural habitat.

Common Misidentifications

People often confuse grasshoppers with other insects. Here is how to tell them apart.

Katydids: Have long antennae (longer than the body) and leaf-like wings.
Crickets: Also have long antennae and are usually darker in color.
Locusts: These are actually grasshoppers that form swarms. True locusts are rare in Maryland.

If you see an insect with long antennae, it is likely not a grasshopper. Check the antennae first for a quick ID.

Seasonal Guide To Grasshopper Activity

Grasshopper activity changes with the seasons. Here is what to expect throughout the year.

Spring (March-May)

Nymphs emerge from eggs.
Look for small, wingless grasshoppers in grassy areas.

Summer (June-August)

Adults appear and are most active.
This is the best time for observation and identification.

Fall (September-November)

Adults mate and lay eggs.
Activity decreases as temperatures drop.

Winter (December-February)

Only eggs survive the cold.
No adult grasshoppers are active.

Resources For Further Learning

If you want to learn more, check these resources.

University of Maryland Extension: Offers guides on grasshopper identification and management.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Provides information on local insect species.
Field guides: Books like “Grasshoppers of the Eastern United States” are helpful.
Online databases: Websites like BugGuide.net have photos and identification help.

These resources can help you become an expert at identifying types of grasshoppers in maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Common Grasshopper In Maryland?

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 Maryland?

No, grasshoppers in Maryland are not poisonous to humans. Some may bite if handled, but they are harmless.

How Can I Tell A Grasshopper From A Cricket?

Grasshoppers have short antennae (shorter than the body), while crickets have long antennae (longer than the body). Crickets also have a more rounded head.

Do Grasshoppers Damage Gardens In Maryland?

Yes, some species like the differential grasshopper can damage gardens. However, most species do not cause significant harm.

When Is The Best Time To See Grasshoppers In Maryland?

Late summer (August and September) is the best time. Adults are fully grown and most active during warm, sunny days.

Grasshoppers are a diverse and interesting group of insects. By learning about the types of grasshoppers in maryland, you can better appreciate the wildlife around you. Whether you are a gardener, hiker, or nature lover, these insects offer a window into the state’s rich biodiversity.

Remember to observe them with care and respect. They are an important part of the ecosystem, and understanding them helps protect their habitats. Happy grasshopper spotting!