Iowa’s vast agricultural fields and remaining prairies create a patchwork of habitats for grasshoppers. Understanding the different Types Of Grasshoppers In Iowa can help you identify which ones are harmless and which might damage your garden or crops. This guide covers the most common species you will encounter across the Hawkeye State.
Grasshoppers are everywhere in Iowa during summer. You see them jumping in soybean fields, along roadsides, and even in your backyard. But not all grasshoppers are the same. Some are tiny, some are huge, and some have bright colors. Learning to tell them apart is easier than you think.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Iowa
Iowa hosts over 100 species of grasshoppers, but only about a dozen are common enough to notice regularly. These species fall into two main groups: those that prefer crops and those that stick to grasslands. Below is a breakdown of the most frequently spotted types.
Red-Legged Grasshopper
The red-legged grasshopper is the most widespread species in Iowa. You will find it in nearly every county, from cornfields to roadside ditches. Its name comes from the bright red or orange color on its hind legs.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
- Color: Brown or gray body with a pale stripe down the back
- Habitat: Crops, pastures, and weedy areas
- Diet: Grasses, alfalfa, corn, and soybeans
- Key feature: Red tibia (lower leg segment)
This species is a major pest for farmers. It can strip entire fields if populations get high. You might see them in large groups during dry summers.
Two-Striped Grasshopper
Another common crop pest is the two-striped grasshopper. It gets its name from two light yellow stripes running from its head to the tip of its wings. This species is larger than the red-legged variety.
- Size: 1.5 to 2 inches long
- Color: Tan to dark brown with two distinct pale stripes
- Habitat: Alfalfa fields, pastures, and crop edges
- Diet: Alfalfa, clover, and grasses
- Key feature: Bold yellow stripes on the pronotum (shield behind head)
Two-striped grasshoppers are strong fliers. They can travel long distances to find food. In Iowa, they are most active from July through September.
Differential Grasshopper
The differential grasshopper is one of the largest species in Iowa. It has a distinctive herringbone pattern on its hind legs. This pattern looks like a series of black chevrons or V-shapes.
- Size: 1.5 to 2.5 inches long
- Color: Yellowish-brown with black markings on legs
- Habitat: Crop fields, gardens, and waste areas
- Diet: Corn, soybeans, vegetables, and grasses
- Key feature: Black chevrons on hind femur (upper leg)
These grasshoppers prefer lush, green vegetation. They are common in irrigated fields and well-watered lawns. Their large size makes them easy to spot.
Carolina Grasshopper
Unlike the previous species, the Carolina grasshopper is not a major crop pest. It prefers open, bare ground like dirt roads, gravel patches, and eroded hillsides. Its camouflage is excellent.
- Size: 1.5 to 2 inches long
- Color: Gray, brown, or tan with mottled patterns
- Habitat: Bare soil, roadsides, and sandy areas
- Diet: Weeds and grasses
- Key feature: Dark wings with pale edges; makes a crackling sound when flying
When disturbed, Carolina grasshoppers fly a short distance and then land on bare ground where they disappear. Their color matches the soil perfectly. You might hear their distinctive crackling flight sound before you see them.
Clear-Winged Grasshopper
The clear-winged grasshopper is a slender species that favors grasslands and pastures. Its wings are transparent with a slight smoky tint. It is not as common as the red-legged or differential species, but it can be locally abundant.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long
- Color: Green or brown with a pale stripe on the back
- Habitat: Native prairies, pastures, and hayfields
- Diet: Grasses primarily
- Key feature: Clear wings with no dark bands
This species rarely causes serious damage to crops because it prefers grasses over broadleaf plants. It is an important food source for birds and other wildlife in prairie ecosystems.
Migratory Grasshopper
The migratory grasshopper is historically significant because it caused massive outbreaks in the Great Plains during the 1800s. Today, it is less common in Iowa but still present in small numbers.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches long
- Color: Brown, green, or gray with a pale stripe on the back
- Habitat: Grasslands and crop fields
- Diet: Grasses and some crops
- Key feature: Short wings that do not cover the abdomen completely
Migratory grasshoppers are named for their tendency to form swarms and move long distances. In Iowa, they are more common in the western part of the state near the Missouri River valley.
Spur-Throated Grasshoppers
This is not a single species but a group that includes several common Iowa grasshoppers. They all share a small spine or spur on the underside of the thorax between the front legs. The red-legged, two-striped, and differential grasshoppers all belong to this group.
- Size: Varies by species
- Color: Usually brown or green
- Habitat: Crops, pastures, and gardens
- Diet: Wide range of plants
- Key feature: A small peg-like structure between the front legs
Spur-throated grasshoppers are the most economically important group in Iowa. They cause the majority of crop damage. If you see grasshoppers in your garden, they are likely one of these species.
Slant-Faced Grasshoppers
Slant-faced grasshoppers have a distinctive angled face when viewed from the side. Their heads are pointed and slope downward. They are generally smaller than spur-throated species and prefer grassy habitats.
- Size: 0.5 to 1 inch long
- Color: Green, brown, or striped
- Habitat: Prairies, pastures, and grassy roadsides
- Diet: Grasses exclusively
- Key feature: Slanted face and long, slender antennae
These grasshoppers are harmless to crops because they only eat grasses. They are common in restored prairies and native grasslands. Their small size and quick movements make them hard to catch.
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Iowa
Identifying grasshoppers requires looking at a few key features. You do not need a microscope, just good eyes and a little patience. Follow these steps to identify the grasshoppers you find.
- Look at the size. Is it small (under 1 inch), medium (1 to 1.5 inches), or large (over 1.5 inches)? This narrows down the possibilities.
- Check the color and markings. Does it have stripes on the back? Are the legs solid or patterned? Red legs point to red-legged grasshoppers. Black chevrons mean differential grasshopper.
- Examine the face. Is the face vertical or slanted? A vertical face means it is a spur-throated species. A slanted face means it is a slant-faced species.
- Look at the wings. Do the wings cover the abdomen completely? Clear-winged grasshoppers have transparent wings. Carolina grasshoppers have dark wings with pale edges.
- Note the habitat. Where did you find it? In a crop field, on bare ground, or in tall grass? This gives clues about the species.
Grasshoppers are most active during warm, sunny days. Early morning is the best time to look because they are slower and easier to catch. Use a net or your hands to capture one gently for closer inspection.
Grasshopper Habitats In Iowa
Different grasshopper species prefer different habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find specific types. Iowa has four main habitat types where grasshoppers thrive.
Crop Fields
Corn and soybean fields are prime habitat for pest species. Red-legged, two-striped, and differential grasshoppers all feed on these crops. They are most abundant along field edges and in weedy areas within fields.
Prairies And Grasslands
Native prairies and restored grasslands host a diverse mix of species. Slant-faced grasshoppers are common here, along with clear-winged and migratory grasshoppers. These habitats support many non-pest species that are important for biodiversity.
Roadsides And Ditches
Roadsides provide a mix of grasses and weeds that attract many grasshopper species. Red-legged and two-striped grasshoppers are common here. The bare soil along gravel roads is perfect for Carolina grasshoppers.
Gardens And Lawns
Home gardens attract grasshoppers looking for tender plants. Differential grasshoppers are especially fond of vegetable gardens. Lawns with thick grass are less attractive, but bare patches can host Carolina grasshoppers.
Grasshopper Life Cycle In Iowa
Understanding the grasshopper life cycle helps you predict when they will be most active. Most Iowa grasshoppers follow a similar pattern. They lay eggs in the soil during late summer and fall. The eggs overwinter and hatch in spring.
- Egg stage: Eggs are laid in pods buried 1 to 2 inches deep in the soil. Each pod contains 20 to 50 eggs. The eggs are protected by a frothy coating that hardens.
- Nymph stage: Nymphs hatch in late April through June. They look like small versions of adults but have no wings. They molt 5 to 6 times as they grow.
- Adult stage: Adults emerge in July and August. They have fully developed wings and can fly. Mating and egg-laying occur through September and October.
Warm, dry weather speeds up development. Cool, wet weather slows it down. In Iowa, most grasshopper species complete one generation per year. A few species may have partial second generations in warm years.
Impact Of Grasshoppers On Iowa Agriculture
Grasshoppers cause significant damage to Iowa crops every year. The worst outbreaks occur during droughts when natural food sources are scarce. Farmers lose millions of dollars to grasshopper feeding.
Red-legged and two-striped grasshoppers are the biggest threats to corn and soybeans. They feed on leaves, stems, and developing kernels. Severe infestations can reduce yields by 20 percent or more.
Alfalfa fields are also vulnerable. Differential grasshoppers prefer alfalfa and can destroy entire fields if left unchecked. Pastures suffer too, as grasshoppers compete with livestock for forage.
Home gardeners are not immune. Grasshoppers can strip vegetable plants overnight. Tomatoes, beans, and leafy greens are especially attractive. A single large grasshopper can eat its own weight in plant material each day.
Natural Predators Of Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers have many natural enemies in Iowa. These predators help keep populations in check without human intervention. Encouraging these predators is a smart pest management strategy.
- Birds: Meadowlarks, red-winged blackbirds, and chickens eat large numbers of grasshoppers. Providing bird habitat around fields helps.
- Insects: Robber flies, praying mantises, and ground beetles prey on grasshoppers. Some wasps parasitize grasshopper eggs.
- Spiders: Wolf spiders and jumping spiders catch grasshoppers in grassy areas. They are especially effective in prairies.
- Rodents: Mice and voles eat grasshopper eggs and nymphs. They help reduce next year’s population.
Farmers who use fewer pesticides tend to have more natural predators. This creates a balanced ecosystem where grasshoppers rarely reach outbreak levels.
How To Manage Grasshoppers In Your Yard
If grasshoppers are damaging your garden, you have several options. Start with non-chemical methods before reaching for pesticides. Here are practical steps you can take.
- Encourage predators. Attract birds with feeders and birdbaths. Leave some areas of your yard wild for spiders and insects.
- Use row covers. Lightweight fabric covers protect vegetables from grasshoppers. Place them over plants in early summer.
- Apply diatomaceous earth. This natural powder damages grasshopper exoskeletons. Sprinkle it around plants and on soil.
- Use neem oil. Neem oil repels grasshoppers and disrupts their feeding. Spray it on plants every 7 to 10 days.
- Hand-pick large grasshoppers. In small gardens, you can catch and remove grasshoppers by hand. Drop them in soapy water to kill them.
Chemical insecticides should be a last resort. They kill beneficial insects too and can harm the environment. If you must use them, choose products labeled for grasshopper control and follow directions exactly.
Grasshopper Species To Watch For In Iowa
While most Iowa grasshoppers are harmless, a few species can become serious pests. Knowing which ones to watch helps you respond quickly. Here are the species that cause the most problems.
- Red-legged grasshopper: Most common pest in corn and soybeans
- Two-striped grasshopper: Major pest in alfalfa and pastures
- Differential grasshopper: Threat to gardens and vegetable crops
- Migratory grasshopper: Potential for large outbreaks in western Iowa
These four species account for nearly all crop damage in the state. If you see large numbers of them, take action early. Small populations are easier to manage than large ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common grasshopper in Iowa?
The red-legged grasshopper is the most common species in Iowa. It is found in every county and feeds on a wide variety of plants. You are most likely to see it in crop fields and along roadsides.
Are grasshoppers harmful to humans in Iowa?
No, grasshoppers do not bite or sting humans. They are harmless to people and pets. Some species can pinch with their mandibles if handled roughly, but this is rare and not dangerous.
How can I tell if a grasshopper is a pest species?
Pest species are usually large, have a vertical face, and feed on broadleaf plants. Look for red legs, yellow stripes, or black chevrons on the legs. If you see these features, the grasshopper is likely a crop pest.
Do grasshoppers damage lawns in Iowa?
Grasshoppers rarely damage healthy lawns because they prefer broadleaf plants over grass. However, during droughts, they may feed on grass if other food is scarce. Damage is usually minimal and temporary.
What time of year are grasshoppers most active in Iowa?
Grasshoppers are most active from July through September. Nymphs appear in late spring, but adults reach peak numbers in mid-summer. Warm, dry weather increases their activity and reproduction.
Final Thoughts On Iowa Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are a natural part of Iowa’s ecosystem. Most species are harmless and even beneficial as food for wildlife. A few species cause problems for farmers and gardeners, but understanding their habits helps you manage them.
Learning to identify the different Types Of Grasshoppers In Iowa gives you an advantage. You can tell which ones are pests and which ones are just passing through. With a little knowledge, you can coexist with these fascinating insects without losing your crops or garden.
Next time you see a grasshopper in your yard, take a closer look. Check its legs, face, and wings. You might be surprised at how many different species are living right around you. Iowa’s grasshoppers are more diverse than most people realize, and each one has its own story.