Across New Jersey’s farmlands and Pine Barrens, you’ll find grasshoppers that have adapted to both agricultural and sandy habitats. Knowing the types of grasshoppers in New Jersey helps you identify these insects in your garden or during a hike. This guide covers the most common species you might encounter.
Grasshoppers are a sign of summer in the Garden State. They range from tiny nymphs to large, winged adults. Some are harmless, while others can damage crops. Let’s look at the main species you’ll see.
Common Types Of Grasshoppers In New Jersey
New Jersey hosts over 100 grasshopper species. Most belong to two families: Acrididae (short-horned) and Tettigoniidae (long-horned, or katydids). Here are the ones you are most likely to spot.
Red-Legged Grasshopper
This is probably the most common grasshopper in the state. You’ll find it in fields, roadsides, and backyards. It has a brown or gray body with a red tint on its back legs.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
- Color: Brown, gray, or olive with red tibiae
- Habitat: Grassy areas, farm fields
- Diet: Grasses, clover, alfalfa
Differential Grasshopper
This is a large, heavy-bodied species. It is known for its chevron-like black marks on its hind legs. It can be a pest in gardens and soybean fields.
- Size: 1.2 to 1.8 inches long
- Color: Yellowish-brown with black markings
- Habitat: Moist areas, crop fields
- Diet: Broadleaf plants, corn, soybeans
Two-Striped Grasshopper
Easy to identify by the two pale yellow stripes running from its head to its wing tips. It prefers damp, weedy areas near streams or ditches.
- Size: 1.2 to 1.6 inches long
- Color: Brown or green with two yellow stripes
- Habitat: Wet meadows, edges of ponds
- Diet: Grasses, sedges, weeds
Carolina Grasshopper
This species is a master of camouflage. It has a mottled gray or brown body that blends with bare soil. You’ll see it on dirt paths or sandy areas in the Pine Barrens.
- Size: 1.2 to 1.8 inches long
- Color: Gray, brown, or black with dark bands
- Habitat: Open, dry, sandy areas
- Diet: Dead leaves, grasses, forbs
Clear-Winged Grasshopper
This grasshopper is named for its transparent wings. It is a common pest in rangelands but also lives in New Jersey’s grasslands. It has a brown body with a pale stripe down its back.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long
- Color: Brown with a cream-colored dorsal stripe
- Habitat: Dry grasslands, pastures
- Diet: Grasses, wheat, oats
Northern Green-Striped Grasshopper
As the name suggests, this one has a bright green stripe on its back. It prefers moist, lush vegetation. You might find it in your garden or along forest edges.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.1 inches long
- Color: Brown or green with a green stripe
- Habitat: Moist meadows, gardens
- Diet: Grasses, legumes, garden plants
Spur-Throated Grasshopper
This is a group of species, not a single one. They all have a small bump (spur) on their throat between the front legs. They are common in fields and forests.
- Size: 0.6 to 1.4 inches long
- Color: Variable: brown, green, or gray
- Habitat: Grassy areas, woodlands
- Diet: Grasses, forbs, shrubs
Identifying Grasshoppers In New Jersey
To tell these species apart, look at a few key features. You don’t need a magnifying glass. Just observe the body shape, color patterns, and leg markings.
Body Shape And Size
Short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae) have short antennae. They are stout and robust. Long-horned grasshoppers (katydids) have thin, long antennae. They are often slender and green.
Color And Markings
Notice the color of the body and legs. Red legs mean red-legged grasshopper. Yellow stripes mean two-striped grasshopper. Black chevrons mean differential grasshopper.
Wing Length
Some grasshoppers have long wings that cover the abdomen. Others have short wings. Clear-winged grasshoppers have see-through wings. Carolina grasshoppers have dark bands on their wings.
Habitat Preference
Where you find the grasshopper helps identify it. Sandy areas point to Carolina grasshopper. Wet areas point to two-striped or northern green-striped. Fields point to red-legged or differential.
Grasshopper Life Cycle In New Jersey
Grasshoppers go through incomplete metamorphosis. They have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Understanding the cycle helps you know when to look for them.
- Egg stage: Females 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 stage: Nymphs look like small adults but have no wings. They molt several times. This stage lasts 5 to 6 weeks.
- Adult stage: Adults have fully developed wings. They mate and lay eggs. Most adults die by late fall.
In New Jersey, you’ll see nymphs from May to June. Adults appear from July to September. Some species have one generation per year. Others may have two.
Where To Find Grasshoppers In New Jersey
Grasshoppers are everywhere, but some spots are better than others. Here are the best places to look for different species.
Pine Barrens
The sandy, acidic soil here is perfect for Carolina grasshoppers. You’ll also find pygmy grasshoppers and sand locusts. Look on bare patches of sand or along trails.
Farm Fields
Agricultural areas in Salem, Gloucester, and Cumberland counties host many species. Red-legged and differential grasshoppers are common. They feed on crops like alfalfa and soybeans.
Meadows And Pastures
Open grasslands in Hunterdon and Warren counties are good for clear-winged and northern green-striped grasshoppers. They like tall grasses and wildflowers.
Gardens And Lawns
Your own backyard can have several species. Red-legged grasshoppers are common. Spur-throated grasshoppers may visit flower beds. You might also see katydids in shrubs.
Wetlands And Stream Banks
Moist areas along the Delaware River or near lakes attract two-striped grasshoppers. They like the lush vegetation found there.
Grasshoppers Vs. Katydids: What’s The Difference?
People often confuse grasshoppers with katydids. Both are in the order Orthoptera. But they have clear differences.
| Feature | Grasshopper | Katydid |
|---|---|---|
| Antennae | Short, thick | Long, thin (longer than body) |
| Body shape | Stout, robust | Slender, flattened |
| Color | Brown, gray, green | Usually bright green |
| Wings | Short or long | Long, leaf-like |
| Activity | Daytime | Nighttime |
| Sound | Short, buzzing chirps | Long, trilling calls |
In New Jersey, common katydids include the greater angle-wing and the fork-tailed bush katydid. They are not true grasshoppers but are often grouped together.
Are Grasshoppers Harmful In New Jersey?
Most grasshoppers are harmless to humans. They don’t bite or sting. But they can be pests to plants. Here’s what you need to know.
Damage To Gardens
Grasshoppers eat leaves, stems, and flowers. They can defoliate plants quickly. Tomatoes, beans, and corn are favorites. A few grasshoppers are fine, but many can ruin a crop.
Damage To Lawns
They eat grass blades. A heavy infestation can turn a lawn brown. This is rare in New Jersey but can happen in dry summers.
Beneficial Roles
Grasshoppers are food for birds, snakes, and other insects. They also help break down plant matter. Some species eat weed seeds.
How To Manage Grasshoppers In Your Yard
If grasshoppers become a problem, you can take steps to control them. Here are some practical methods.
- Encourage natural predators: Birds, spiders, and praying mantises eat grasshoppers. Plant native flowers to attract them.
- Use row covers: Cover young plants with lightweight fabric. This blocks grasshoppers from feeding.
- Apply diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle this powder around plants. It cuts the grasshoppers’ exoskeletons and dries them out.
- Use insecticidal soap: Spray directly on grasshoppers. It works best on nymphs.
- Trap them: Use a jar with a funnel to catch them. Empty the jar far from your garden.
- Keep your yard clean: Remove tall weeds and debris. Grasshoppers like to hide in overgrown areas.
Chemical pesticides are effective but can harm beneficial insects. Use them as a last resort. Always follow label instructions.
Interesting Facts About New Jersey Grasshoppers
These insects have some surprising traits. Here are a few you might not know.
- Grasshoppers can jump 20 times their body length. That’s like a human jumping over a 10-story building.
- They make sounds by rubbing their legs against their wings. This is called stridulation.
- Some species can change color. The Carolina grasshopper can be gray, brown, or black depending on the soil.
- Grasshoppers have ears on their abdomen. They are located on the first segment of the belly.
- The largest grasshopper in New Jersey is the differential grasshopper. It can reach nearly 2 inches long.
- Grasshoppers are cold-blooded. They bask in the sun to warm up and become active.
Seasonal Guide To Grasshopper Watching
If you want to see different species, timing matters. Here’s a month-by-month guide.
Spring (April To June)
Nymphs appear in May. They are small and wingless. Look for them on low vegetation. Red-legged and spur-throated nymphs are common.
Summer (July To August)
Adults are everywhere. This is the best time to see many species. Differential and two-striped grasshoppers are active. Listen for their calls in the afternoon.
Fall (September To October)
Adults are still around but less active. They are busy laying eggs. Carolina grasshoppers are easier to spot on bare ground. By November, most have died.
Winter (November To March)
No adult grasshoppers are active. The eggs are in the soil, waiting for spring. You might find empty exoskeletons or egg pods if you dig.
Common Misidentifications
People often mistake other insects for grasshoppers. Here are the most common mix-ups.
Crickets
Crickets have long antennae and are usually black or brown. They are active at night. Grasshoppers are active during the day.
Katydids
As mentioned, katydids have very long antennae and are green. They look like leaves. Grasshoppers have short antennae and are more robust.
Locusts
Locusts are a type of grasshopper that swarms. New Jersey does not have true locusts. The term is sometimes used for large grasshoppers, but it’s incorrect.
Walking Sticks
Walking sticks are long, thin, and look like twigs. They are not related to grasshoppers. They move slowly and are harmless.
Grasshopper Species By Region In New Jersey
Different parts of the state have different species. Here’s a breakdown by region.
Northern New Jersey (Sussex, Passaic, Bergen)
This area has more forests and hills. You’ll find spur-throated grasshoppers and northern green-striped grasshoppers. Katydids are common in wooded areas.
Central New Jersey (Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer)
Mixed farmland and suburbs. Red-legged and differential grasshoppers are common. Look in parks and fields.
Southern New Jersey (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland)
Pine Barrens and coastal areas. Carolina grasshoppers are abundant. You might also see pygmy grasshoppers in sandy spots.
Coastal Areas (Ocean, Monmouth, Cape May)
Salt marshes and dunes have their own species. Look for the seaside grasshopper and the marsh meadow grasshopper. They are adapted to salty conditions.
How To Photograph Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers make great subjects for photos. Here are some tips.
- Use a macro lens for close-ups. A smartphone with a macro attachment works too.
- Approach slowly. Grasshoppers are skittish. Move in a slow, straight line.
- Shoot in the morning. They are less active when it’s cool.
- Focus on the eyes. Sharp eyes make the photo pop.
- Use a shallow depth of field. This blurs the background and highlights the grasshopper.
- Be patient. Wait for the grasshopper to turn or move into a good position.
Remember to respect the insect. Don’t touch or disturb it too much. A good photo is worth the wait.
Grasshopper Conservation In New Jersey
Most grasshopper species are common. But some are rare or declining. Habitat loss is the main threat. Here’s what you can do.
- Plant native grasses and wildflowers. This provides food and shelter.
- Reduce pesticide use. Chemicals kill grasshoppers and their predators.
- Leave some areas unmowed. Tall grass is good habitat.
- Support local conservation groups. They protect natural areas.
One rare species in New Jersey is the pine barrens tree cricket. It is not a grasshopper but a relative. It lives only in the Pine Barrens and is threatened by development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Types Of Grasshoppers In New Jersey?
The most common are red-legged grasshopper, differential grasshopper, two-striped grasshopper, and Carolina grasshopper. These are found in fields, gardens, and sandy areas.
Are There Grasshoppers In New Jersey That Can Bite?
Grasshoppers do not bite humans. They have strong mandibles for chewing plants. If handled, they might try to nibble, but it’s harmless.
How Can I Tell A Grasshopper From A Katydid In New Jersey?
Look at the antennae. Grasshoppers have short, thick antennae. Katydids have long, thin antennae that are longer than their body. Katydids are also usually green.
Do Grasshoppers In New Jersey Damage Crops?
Yes, some species can damage crops. Differential