Hawaii’s volcanic slopes and tropical valleys are home to unique grasshopper species found nowhere else on Earth. When you look into the types of grasshoppers in hawaii, you’ll discover a mix of native oddities and invasive jumpers that have shaped the islands’ ecosystems.
These insects are not your average backyard hoppers. Some are silent, some are flightless, and a few have evolved in total isolation on a single mountain ridge. Let’s break down the main groups you might encounter.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Hawaii
Hawaii has roughly 30 species of grasshoppers and katydids. About half are native, meaning they arrived naturally and evolved into new forms. The other half came with humans, often by accident. Below, we cover the most common and notable ones.
Native Hawaiian Grasshoppers
These species are true endemics. They evolved from a single ancestor that colonized the islands millions of years ago. Many are now rare or threatened due to habitat loss and invasive predators.
1. The Hawaiian Flightless Grasshopper (Brachaspis spp.)
This is one of the most fascinating groups. These grasshoppers cannot fly. Their wings are reduced or absent. They live on lava flows and cinder cones at high elevations on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
- Color: Usually black or dark brown, blending with volcanic rock.
- Size: About 1 to 1.5 inches long.
- Behavior: Slow-moving and diurnal. They bask on warm rocks.
- Diet: Lichens, moss, and low-growing plants.
- Threats: Invasive ants, wasps, and habitat trampling by cattle.
You might see them if you hike the Mauna Kea access road above 9,000 feet. They are well-camouflaged, so look closely.
2. The Kauai Cave Grasshopper (Brachaspis sp. nov.)
This species is so rare it was only discovered in the 1990s. It lives in dark lava tubes on Kauai. It has lost its pigment and eyes are reduced. It’s a true cave specialist.
- Color: Pale tan or white.
- Eyes: Small and functionless.
- Antennae: Very long, used to feel its way in the dark.
- Diet: Decaying plant matter and bat guano.
- Status: Critically endangered. Only a few hundred individuals remain.
If you visit Kauai, you won’t see this one unless you join a guided cave tour with a permit. It’s protected by law.
3. The Oahu Tree Grasshopper (Conocephalus spp.)
This is a slender, green katydid that lives in wet forests. It’s not a true grasshopper but is often lumped in. It has long antennae and lays eggs in plant stems.
- Habitat: Native ohia and koa forests above 2,000 feet.
- Sound: Males produce a high-pitched buzz at dusk.
- Diet: Leaves and flowers of native plants.
- Predators: Hawaiian honeycreepers and introduced rats.
You can hear them in the Ko’olau Range on Oahu after a rain. They are shy and hard to spot.
Invasive Grasshoppers In Hawaii
These species arrived in the last 200 years. They are often more common than natives and can cause agricultural damage. Here are the main ones.
1. The Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis)
This is a large, yellow-brown grasshopper with black chevrons on its hind legs. It’s a major pest on the mainland and now established in Hawaii.
- Size: Up to 2 inches long.
- Wings: Fully developed; it flies well.
- Habitat: Grassy areas, pastures, and gardens.
- Damage: Eats corn, sugarcane, and vegetable crops.
- Control: Natural predators like birds and parasitic flies.
You’ll see them on all main islands, especially in dry, lowland areas. They are active from summer to fall.
2. The Two-Striped Grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus)
Similar to the differential but with two pale stripes running down its back. It’s slightly smaller and more common in wetter areas.
- Color: Green or brown with yellow stripes.
- Legs: Reddish tibia with spines.
- Diet: Grasses, clover, and garden plants.
- Behavior: Gregarious; you’ll find groups in tall grass.
It’s often confused with the differential. Look for the two distinct stripes to tell them apart.
3. The Migratory Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes)
This species is smaller, about 1 inch long. It’s known for forming swarms on the mainland, but in Hawaii it’s more solitary.
- Color: Variable, from green to dark brown.
- Wings: Long, reaching past the abdomen.
- Habitat: Open fields and roadsides.
- Impact: Minor pest; rarely reaches outbreak levels in Hawaii.
It’s most common on the Big Island and Maui. It prefers disturbed areas like pastures and lawns.
Katydids Often Mistaken For Grasshoppers
Many people call katydids “grasshoppers,” but they are a different group. Hawaii has several native and introduced katydids. Here are the key ones.
1. The Hawaiian Bush Katydid (Banza spp.)
This is a native genus with several species. They are green or brown, with very long antennae and leaf-like wings. They are nocturnal.
- Sound: A soft, continuous trill at night.
- Habitat: Native forests, especially in understory shrubs.
- Diet: Leaves and small insects.
- Conservation: Some species are declining due to habitat loss.
You can hear them on night hikes in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu. They are hard to see because they blend with leaves.
2. The Greenhouse Katydid (Tettigonia viridissima)
This is an introduced species from Europe. It’s bright green with a long ovipositor. It’s common in gardens and nurseries.
- Size: About 1.5 inches.
- Antennae: Longer than its body.
- Diet: Aphids, caterpillars, and plant leaves.
- Benefit: It eats pest insects, so it’s considered beneficial.
You’ll find it on all islands, especially in moist, shaded areas. It’s harmless to humans.
Where To Find Grasshoppers In Hawaii
Grasshoppers are not everywhere. They prefer specific habitats. Here’s a quick guide.
- Dry, lowland areas: Look for invasive species like differential and two-striped. Check grassy fields, roadsides, and vacant lots.
- High-elevation lava flows: Search for native flightless grasshoppers. Go above 8,000 feet on Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa. Walk slowly and scan dark rocks.
- Wet forests: Listen for katydids at dusk. They are in ohia forests on all islands. Use a flashlight to spot them on leaves.
- Caves: Only on Kauai. You need a guide and permit. The cave grasshopper is extremely rare.
- Gardens and farms: Common for invasive species. Check under leaves and in tall grass.
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Hawaii
Use these steps to tell species apart.
- Check the antennae: Short and thick? It’s a true grasshopper. Long and thin? It’s a katydid.
- Look at the wings: Short or absent? Likely a native flightless species. Long? Probably invasive.
- Note the color: Black or dark brown on lava? Native. Green or yellow with stripes? Invasive.
- Listen for sound: Katydids sing at night. Grasshoppers are mostly silent or make a crackling sound in flight.
- Observe behavior: Slow and basking? Native. Quick and jumping? Invasive.
Why Grasshoppers Matter In Hawaii
Grasshoppers play several roles in the ecosystem.
- Food source: Birds, lizards, spiders, and wasps eat them. Native honeycreepers rely on them.
- Plant eaters: They control plant growth. Invasive species can damage crops.
- Soil health: Their droppings add nutrients to the soil.
- Indicator species: Native grasshoppers are sensitive to habitat change. Their presence signals a healthy ecosystem.
Unfortunately, many native species are in decline. Invasive ants and wasps prey on them. Habitat destruction from development and agriculture also hurts them. Conservation efforts focus on protecting high-elevation habitats and controlling invasive predators.
Common Questions About Grasshoppers In Hawaii
Here are answers to frequent queries.
Are there locusts in Hawaii?
No true locusts (swarming grasshoppers) are established in Hawaii. The migratory grasshopper can swarm elsewhere but does not do so here. You won’t see locust plagues.
Can I keep a Hawaiian grasshopper as a pet?
It’s not recommended. Native species are protected. Invasive species are easy to catch but need specific care. They need fresh plants, warmth, and space. Most die within a few weeks in captivity.
Do grasshoppers bite in Hawaii?
They can nibble if handled roughly, but it’s rare and harmless. Their mandibles are for plants, not skin. No venom or disease is transmitted.
What is the largest grasshopper in Hawaii?
The differential grasshopper is the biggest, reaching 2 inches. The native flightless grasshopper is smaller, about 1.5 inches.
Are grasshoppers endangered in Hawaii?
Several native species are endangered or critically endangered. The Kauai cave grasshopper is one of the rarest insects in the world. Others are declining but not yet listed.
Tips For Observing Grasshoppers Safely
If you want to see them, follow these guidelines.
- Go at the right time: Early morning or late afternoon. Grasshoppers are most active when it’s warm but not hot.
- Move slowly: Quick movements scare them. Walk softly and pause often.
- Use binoculars: You can see details without getting close.
- Don’t touch: Some species are fragile. Handling can injure them.
- Respect habitats: Stay on trails. Don’t disturb lava rocks or cave entrances.
- Report sightings: If you see a native grasshopper, note the location and tell a local conservation group. They track populations.
Final Thoughts On Hawaiian Grasshoppers
Hawaii’s grasshoppers are a hidden part of the islands’ biodiversity. From the black lava hoppers of Mauna Kea to the pale cave dwellers of Kauai, each species tells a story of isolation and adaptation. Invasive species are more common, but they also show how quickly life can change when humans arrive.
Next time you hike a volcanic slope or walk through a grassy field, look down. You might spot one of these ancient jumpers. They are small, but they carry the history of Hawaii in their genes.
If you want to learn more, check with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources or local entomology groups. They have guides and citizen science projects. Your observations can help protect these unique insects for future generations.