Colorado’s high elevation and dry terrain shape unique grasshopper communities across its plains and mountains. If you’re looking for the types of grasshoppers in Colorado, you’ll find a surprising variety that ranges from tiny pygmy species to large, colorful migrators. Understanding these insects helps you identify what’s hopping around your garden, farm, or hiking trail.
Grasshoppers are everywhere in Colorado, especially during summer. They play a big role in the ecosystem, serving as food for birds and other wildlife. But some species can become pests when their populations explode. Knowing the common types helps you tell the difference between a harmless native and a potential problem.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Colorado
Colorado hosts over 100 grasshopper species. Most are native and well-adapted to the state’s dry climate. Below, you’ll find the most common groups you’re likely to encounter. Each has unique features and habits.
Differential Grasshopper
This is one of the most widespread species in Colorado. You’ll see them in fields, gardens, and along roadsides. They are large, growing up to 1.5 inches long. Their bodies are brownish-yellow with black markings on the hind legs.
- Size: 1.2–1.6 inches
- Color: Yellowish-brown with black chevron patterns
- Habitat: Grassy areas, crop fields, gardens
- Behavior: Strong fliers, can move in swarms
Differential grasshoppers are known for their appetite. They eat a wide range of plants, including alfalfa, corn, and garden vegetables. If you see many of them, they can cause damage quickly.
Two-Striped Grasshopper
This species is easy to spot. It has two distinct yellow stripes running down its back. The body is usually tan or brown. They are medium to large, reaching about 1.4 inches.
- Size: 1.0–1.4 inches
- Color: Tan with two pale yellow stripes
- Habitat: Moist areas near streams, irrigated fields
- Behavior: Prefers lush vegetation
Two-striped grasshoppers are common in eastern Colorado. They thrive in irrigated crops and alfalfa fields. They can be a pest when numbers are high, but they also provide food for predators.
Red-Legged Grasshopper
As the name suggests, this grasshopper has bright red or orange hind legs. The body is brown or gray with dark spots. They are medium-sized, around 1 inch long.
- Size: 0.8–1.2 inches
- Color: Brown with red legs and dark speckles
- Habitat: Prairies, pastures, open fields
- Behavior: Active during the day, good jumpers
Red-legged grasshoppers are native to Colorado. They prefer dry, open areas. They eat grasses and weeds, so they rarely bother gardens unless food is scarce.
Migratory Grasshopper
This species is famous for forming large swarms. In Colorado, they are common in the eastern plains. They are medium-sized, about 1.2 inches, with a brown or gray body.
- Size: 1.0–1.3 inches
- Color: Brown, gray, or olive with dark markings
- Habitat: Grasslands, rangelands, crop fields
- Behavior: Swarm-forming, long-distance fliers
Migratory grasshoppers can cause serious damage to crops. They eat grasses, wheat, and barley. When conditions are right, their populations explode and they move in large groups.
Clear-Winged Grasshopper
This species is named for its transparent wings. The body is usually green or brown, blending well with grass. They are medium-sized, around 1 inch.
- Size: 0.9–1.1 inches
- Color: Green or brown with clear wings
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, roadsides
- Behavior: Camouflaged, not very mobile
Clear-winged grasshoppers are common in the mountains and foothills. They prefer cooler areas with plenty of grass. They are less likely to become pests because they don’t swarm.
Spur-Throated Grasshopper
This group includes several species. They have a small bump or spur between their front legs. They vary in size and color, but most are brown or gray.
- Size: 0.8–1.5 inches depending on species
- Color: Brown, gray, or tan with patterns
- Habitat: Wide range: fields, forests, deserts
- Behavior: Diverse feeding habits
Spur-throated grasshoppers are very common in Colorado. They include both pest and non-pest species. Some eat only grasses, while others prefer broadleaf plants.
Pygmy Grasshopper
These are the smallest grasshoppers in Colorado. They are less than 0.5 inches long. Their bodies are short and stout, often brown or black.
- Size: 0.3–0.5 inches
- Color: Brown, black, or mottled
- Habitat: Moist soil near water, marshes
- Behavior: Poor fliers, hop short distances
Pygmy grasshoppers are not pests. They live near water and eat algae or decaying plants. They are interesting to observe but rarely noticed due to their size.
Carolina Grasshopper
This is a large, striking species. It has a black body with bright yellow or orange markings. The wings are dark with a yellow border. They can reach 1.8 inches.
- Size: 1.5–1.8 inches
- Color: Black with yellow or orange patterns
- Habitat: Open, sunny areas with bare soil
- Behavior: Slow movers, rely on camouflage
Carolina grasshoppers are common in the plains. They like dry, sandy areas. They eat grasses and weeds, and they are not considered major pests.
Green-Striped Grasshopper
This species has a green stripe running down its back. The body is brown or tan with a bright green line. They are medium-sized, around 1.2 inches.
- Size: 1.0–1.3 inches
- Color: Brown with a green dorsal stripe
- Habitat: Grassy fields, meadows, gardens
- Behavior: Active during warm hours
Green-striped grasshoppers are found across Colorado. They eat grasses and some broadleaf plants. They are not usually a problem unless populations spike.
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Colorado
Identifying grasshoppers can be tricky. Many species look similar. Here are some tips to help you tell them apart.
Look At The Body Size
Size is a good starting point. Measure the grasshopper from head to wing tip. Pygmy species are tiny, while Carolina grasshoppers are huge. Use the size ranges from the list above.
Check The Color Patterns
Color is another clue. Look for stripes, spots, or bright legs. Two-striped grasshoppers have clear yellow lines. Red-legged grasshoppers have red legs. Carolina grasshoppers are black and yellow.
Examine The Wings
Wing shape and color matter. Clear-winged grasshoppers have see-through wings. Migratory grasshoppers have long wings for flying. Some species have short wings and cannot fly.
Observe The Habitat
Where you find the grasshopper helps identify it. Moist areas attract two-striped species. Dry plains host Carolina grasshoppers. Mountains have clear-winged grasshoppers.
Grasshopper Life Cycle In Colorado
Grasshoppers go through simple metamorphosis. They start as eggs, hatch into nymphs, and become adults. The cycle takes about 2-3 months.
Egg Stage
Female grasshoppers lay eggs in the soil. They use their ovipositor to dig a hole. The eggs are in a pod, protected by a foamy coating. In Colorado, eggs overwinter and hatch in spring.
Nymph Stage
Nymphs look like small adults but lack wings. They molt several times as they grow. Each stage is called an instar. Nymphs eat the same plants as adults.
Adult Stage
Adults have fully developed wings. They can fly and reproduce. Most Colorado grasshoppers become adults by mid-summer. They mate and lay eggs before dying in fall.
Where To Find Grasshoppers In Colorado
Grasshoppers live in many habitats. Here are the best places to look.
- Eastern Plains: Large open fields, farms, and prairies. You’ll find migratory, differential, and two-striped species.
- Foothills: Grasslands and meadows at lower elevations. Look for clear-winged and spur-throated grasshoppers.
- Mountains: High elevation meadows and alpine areas. Species are less common but include pygmy and green-striped types.
- Gardens and Yards: Irrigated lawns and flower beds attract differential and red-legged grasshoppers.
- Near Water: Streams, ponds, and marshes host pygmy grasshoppers and two-striped species.
Grasshopper Control In Colorado
Sometimes grasshoppers become pests. If they damage your garden or crops, you may need to take action. Here are some methods.
Natural Predators
Encourage birds, lizards, and spiders. They eat grasshoppers. You can also attract praying mantises and robber flies. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects.
Physical Barriers
Use row covers or netting to protect plants. This works well for small gardens. You can also hand-pick grasshoppers in the morning when they are slow.
Biological Controls
Apply Nosema locustae, a natural pathogen. It infects and kills grasshoppers. It is safe for other insects and pets. Use it early in the season when nymphs are small.
Chemical Controls
Insecticides can be used as a last resort. Choose products labeled for grasshoppers. Apply them carefully, following all instructions. Spot-treat areas where grasshoppers are concentrated.
Grasshoppers Vs. Locusts In Colorado
Many people confuse grasshoppers with locusts. In Colorado, the migratory grasshopper can behave like a locust. Locusts are grasshoppers that form swarms and migrate long distances. Not all grasshoppers do this.
The key difference is behavior. Most grasshoppers live solitary lives. Locusts change behavior when crowded. They become gregarious and move in large groups. In Colorado, only a few species have this ability.
Benefits Of Grasshoppers In The Ecosystem
Grasshoppers are not all bad. They play important roles in nature.
- Food Source: Birds, reptiles, and mammals eat them. They are a key part of the food web.
- Nutrient Cycling: Their droppings fertilize the soil. Dead grasshoppers decompose and return nutrients.
- Plant Control: They eat weeds and invasive plants. This helps maintain balanced plant communities.
- Pollination: Some grasshoppers visit flowers and transfer pollen. This helps plants reproduce.
Common Misconceptions About Grasshoppers
There are many myths about grasshoppers. Let’s clear them up.
- Myth: All grasshoppers are pests. Fact: Most species cause little to no damage.
- Myth: Grasshoppers only eat crops. Fact: Many eat grasses and weeds.
- Myth: Grasshoppers bite humans. Fact: They do not bite. They may nibble but it is harmless.
- Myth: Grasshoppers live for years. Fact: Most live only a few months.
Seasonal Activity Of Grasshoppers In Colorado
Grasshopper activity changes with the seasons. Here is what to expect.
- Spring: Eggs hatch. Nymphs appear in late April to May. They are small and wingless.
- Summer: Nymphs grow and become adults by July. This is when you see the most grasshoppers.
- Fall: Adults mate and lay eggs. They die after the first hard frost.
- Winter: Only eggs survive. They wait in the soil until spring.
How To Photograph Grasshoppers In Colorado
Grasshoppers make great subjects for photos. Here are some tips.
- Use a macro lens or close-up setting.
- Approach slowly. Grasshoppers are skittish.
- Shoot in the morning when they are cold and slow.
- Focus on the eyes for sharp images.
- Use natural light for best colors.
- Be patient. Wait for the grasshopper to settle.
Grasshopper Species By Colorado Region
Different regions have different grasshopper communities. Here is a quick guide.
Eastern Plains
This area has the most grasshoppers. Common species include migratory, differential, two-striped, and Carolina grasshoppers. The flat terrain and crops provide ideal habitat.
Front Range
The foothills and urban areas host red-legged, clear-winged, and spur-throated grasshoppers. Gardens and parks are good places to look.
Western Slope
This drier region has fewer species. You’ll find spur-throated and green-striped grasshoppers. Pygmy grasshoppers live near water sources.
Mountains
High elevations have fewer grasshoppers. Clear-winged and pygmy species are most common. They live in meadows and along streams.
Grasshopper Research In Colorado
Scientists study grasshoppers in Colorado. They track populations and monitor pest outbreaks. The Colorado State University Extension provides information on grasshopper management. They also offer guides for identification.
Research helps farmers predict outbreaks. It also helps protect native species. Grasshoppers are an important part of the state’s biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common grasshopper in Colorado?
The differential grasshopper is one of the most common. You’ll find it in gardens, fields, and along roadsides across the state.
Are there poisonous grasshoppers in Colorado?
No. No grasshopper species in Colorado are poisonous to humans. Some may have bright colors as warning, but they are not toxic.
How can I tell a grasshopper from a cricket?
Grasshoppers have short antennae and make sounds by rubbing their legs. Crickets have long antennae and make sounds by rubbing their wings.
Do grasshoppers damage lawns in Colorado?
Some species can damage lawns if populations are high. Differential and two-striped grasshoppers are the most likely to cause problems.
When is grasshopper season in Colorado?
Grasshopper season runs from late spring through fall. The peak activity is in July and August when adults are most abundant.
Understanding the types of grasshoppers in Colorado helps you appreciate these insects. They are a natural part of the landscape. Whether you see them as pests or fascinating