Montana’s expansive prairies and Rocky Mountain foothills are prime territory for several grasshopper species. Understanding the types of grasshoppers in Montana helps you identify what’s hopping around your backyard or farm. These insects play a big role in the ecosystem, but some can become pests.
Grasshoppers are everywhere in Montana during summer. You might see them on hiking trails, in gardens, or along highways. This guide covers the most common species you will encounter.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Montana
Montana hosts over 100 grasshopper species. Most are harmless, but a few can damage crops. The key is knowing which ones are beneficial and which are troublemakers. Below are the main groups you should know.
Common Field Grasshopper
This is the most widespread species in Montana. You’ll find it in grasslands, pastures, and along roadsides. It has a brown or green body with dark markings on its wings.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
- Color: Brown, green, or a mix
- Habitat: Open fields and meadows
- Diet: Grasses and weeds
Common field grasshoppers are active from June to September. They are not usually a major pest unless populations explode.
Twostriped Grasshopper
This species is easy to spot because of two pale stripes running down its back. It prefers moist areas like irrigated fields and river valleys.
- Size: 1.2 to 1.6 inches
- Color: Brown or olive with yellow stripes
- Habitat: Alfalfa fields, hay meadows, gardens
- Diet: Broadleaf plants and crops
Twostriped grasshoppers can cause serious damage to alfalfa and wheat. They are one of the main pest species in Montana agriculture.
Differential Grasshopper
This is a large, heavy-bodied grasshopper. It has chevron-like markings on its hind legs. It thrives in disturbed areas like roadsides and overgrazed pastures.
- Size: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Color: Brown or yellow with black markings
- Habitat: Croplands, gardens, weedy areas
- Diet: Corn, soybeans, alfalfa, vegetables
Differential grasshoppers are strong fliers. They can move into gardens quickly and eat entire plants.
Redlegged Grasshopper
As the name says, this species has bright red or orange hind legs. It is medium-sized and common across Montana.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches
- Color: Brown or gray with red legs
- Habitat: Grasslands, pastures, roadsides
- Diet: Grasses and some broadleaf plants
Redlegged grasshoppers are less damaging than other pest species. They prefer grasses over crops.
Clearwinged Grasshopper
This species has clear wings that make it look different from others. It is slender and fast-moving.
- Size: 1 to 1.4 inches
- Color: Brown or tan with clear wings
- Habitat: Dry grasslands and sagebrush areas
- Diet: Grasses and forbs
Clearwinged grasshoppers are common in eastern Montana. They can become pests in rangeland during dry years.
Migratory Grasshopper
This is the species that forms large swarms. It has a brown body with a distinct pattern on its wings.
- Size: 0.8 to 1.2 inches
- Color: Brown with dark spots
- Habitat: Prairies, croplands, open areas
- Diet: Grasses, grains, vegetables
Migratory grasshoppers can travel long distances. They are a major concern for farmers in central and eastern Montana.
Spurthroated Grasshoppers
This group includes several species with a small spur on their throat. They are common in Montana’s shortgrass prairies.
- Size: Varies by species
- Color: Brown, gray, or green
- Habitat: Dry grasslands and rocky slopes
- Diet: Grasses and weeds
Spurthroated grasshoppers are less likely to invade gardens. They stay mostly in native habitats.
Where To Find Different Grasshopper Species In Montana
Grasshoppers are not evenly distributed across the state. Different species prefer different habitats. Here is a breakdown by region.
Eastern Montana Plains
This area is flat and dry. You will find clearwinged and migratory grasshoppers here. They thrive in the open prairie.
- Common species: Clearwinged, migratory, redlegged
- Best time: July to August
- Habitat: Wheat fields, native grasslands
Western Montana Mountains And Valleys
The foothills and valleys are cooler and wetter. Twostriped and differential grasshoppers are common here.
- Common species: Twostriped, differential, common field
- Best time: June to September
- Habitat: Irrigated meadows, gardens, forest edges
Central Montana Rangelands
This region mixes prairie and sagebrush. Spurthroated and redlegged grasshoppers are abundant.
- Common species: Spurthroated, redlegged, common field
- Best time: July to August
- Habitat: Sagebrush flats, rocky hillsides
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Montana
Identifying grasshoppers takes practice. Look at these features to tell species apart.
- Body size: Measure from head to wing tip. Larger species are often pests.
- Color patterns: Look for stripes, spots, or bright legs. Twostriped grasshoppers have clear stripes.
- Wing shape: Some have clear wings, others are patterned. Clearwinged grasshoppers have see-through wings.
- Leg markings: Differential grasshoppers have chevron marks on their hind legs.
- Behavior: Migratory grasshoppers fly in groups. Most others are solitary.
Grasshopper Life Cycle In Montana
Understanding the life cycle helps you predict when grasshoppers appear. Most species follow a similar pattern.
- Egg stage: Grasshoppers lay eggs in soil in late summer. Eggs stay dormant through winter.
- Nymph stage: Eggs hatch in spring. Nymphs look like small adults without wings.
- Adult stage: Adults emerge in early summer. They mate and lay eggs by late summer.
- One generation per year: Most species have only one generation annually in Montana.
Are Grasshoppers A Problem In Montana?
Grasshoppers can be both helpful and harmful. Here is a balanced view.
Beneficial Roles
- They eat weeds and invasive plants
- They provide food for birds, snakes, and other wildlife
- They recycle nutrients back into soil
Pest Issues
- They can destroy crops like wheat, alfalfa, and corn
- They strip gardens of vegetables and flowers
- Large outbreaks can damage rangeland and reduce forage for livestock
How To Manage Grasshoppers In Your Yard Or Farm
If grasshoppers become a problem, try these methods. Start with prevention, then use control if needed.
Prevention Tips
- Keep grass short to reduce hiding places
- Remove weeds that attract grasshoppers
- Use row covers on garden plants
- Encourage natural predators like birds and spiders
Control Methods
- Biological control: Use Nosema locustae, a natural fungus that kills grasshoppers. It is safe for pets and people.
- Chemical control: Apply insecticides labeled for grasshoppers. Use them early when nymphs are small.
- Mechanical control: Vacuum or hand-pick grasshoppers in small gardens. Drop them in soapy water.
- Barriers: Use floating row covers or fine mesh to protect plants.
Grasshopper Species To Watch For In Montana Gardens
Not all grasshoppers attack gardens. Here are the ones most likely to cause trouble.
- Differential grasshopper: Eats vegetables and flowers
- Twostriped grasshopper: Damages beans, lettuce, and tomatoes
- Migratory grasshopper: Can strip entire plants
- Redlegged grasshopper: Less common in gardens but still feeds on greens
Interesting Facts About Montana Grasshoppers
These insects are more fascinating than you might think. Here are some quick facts.
- Grasshoppers have been in Montana for millions of years
- Some species can jump 20 times their body length
- They make noise by rubbing their legs against their wings
- Grasshoppers are a traditional food source for some Native American tribes
- They can change color based on their environment
When To Expect Grasshoppers In Montana
Timing varies by species and weather. Here is a general calendar.
- April to May: Eggs hatch. Nymphs appear.
- June to July: Adults emerge. Feeding increases.
- August to September: Peak activity. Mating and egg-laying occur.
- October: Adults die off. Eggs wait for spring.
How Climate Affects Grasshopper Populations
Weather plays a big role in grasshopper numbers. Warm, dry springs lead to more grasshoppers. Wet springs can reduce populations because fungus kills nymphs.
- Drought years: Grasshopper outbreaks are more likely
- Wet years: Fewer grasshoppers survive
- Mild winters: More eggs survive
- Cold winters: Egg mortality increases
Common Misidentifications
People often confuse grasshoppers with other insects. Here is how to tell them apart.
- Crickets: Crickets have long antennae. Grasshoppers have short antennae.
- Katydids: Katydids have leaf-like wings. Grasshoppers have narrower wings.
- Locusts: Locusts are a type of grasshopper that swarms. Not all grasshoppers are locusts.
Grasshopper Research In Montana
Montana State University studies grasshopper ecology. They track populations and develop management strategies. Farmers can get updates on outbreak risks each spring.
Final Thoughts On Grasshoppers In Montana
Grasshoppers are a natural part of Montana’s landscape. Most species are harmless and even beneficial. Knowing the types of grasshoppers in montana helps you coexist with them. If they become a problem, simple control methods work well.
Remember to identify the species before taking action. Some are pests, but many are just passing through. Enjoy watching these interesting insects from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common grasshopper in Montana?
The common field grasshopper is the most widespread. You see it almost everywhere in the state.
Are grasshoppers in Montana dangerous to humans?
No, grasshoppers do not bite or sting. They are harmless to people and pets.
How can I protect my garden from grasshoppers?
Use row covers, encourage birds, and apply biological controls like Nosema locustae. Hand-picking works for small gardens.
Do grasshoppers damage lawns in Montana?
Usually not. Grasshoppers prefer weeds and crops over turf grass. Lawns are rarely damaged.
When is grasshopper season in Montana?
Grasshoppers are most active from June to September. Peak numbers occur in August.