Wisconsin fields host two-striped grasshoppers that favor alfalfa and soybean crops during summer months. If you want to know the main types of grasshoppers in wisconsin, this guide will help you spot them fast. You will learn which species matter for gardens, farms, and backyards.
Grasshoppers are everywhere in Wisconsin from June to October. Some are harmless, but others can damage your plants. Knowing the difference saves you time and worry.
Types Of Grasshoppers In Wisconsin
Wisconsin has about 100 grasshopper species. Most are native and play a role in the ecosystem. But only a handful become pests. Below are the most common ones you will see.
Two-Striped Grasshopper
This is the big one you notice in farm fields. It has two pale stripes running down its back. The body is brown or greenish. Adults grow up to 1.5 inches long.
They eat alfalfa, soybeans, and clover. In dry summers, they move into gardens. You can spot them by their loud buzzing when they fly.
Where To Find Them
- Open fields with tall grass
- Roadside ditches
- Edges of crop fields
Red-Legged Grasshopper
This species has bright red or orange back legs. Its body is brown with dark spots. It is smaller than the two-striped type, about 1 inch long.
Red-legged grasshoppers eat grasses and weeds. They rarely bother vegetables. But in large numbers, they can strip a pasture.
Key Features
- Red tibia (lower leg segment)
- Dark markings on the wings
- Active in late summer
Differential Grasshopper
This one looks similar to the two-striped but has a different pattern. It has chevron-like marks on its hind legs. The body is yellowish-brown with dark bands.
It loves corn, wheat, and garden crops. In wet years, it can become a major pest. You will see it in tall grass near water sources.
How To Identify
- Look for black bands on the femur (upper leg)
- Check for a yellowish underside
- Notice the short, thick antennae
Clear-Winged Grasshopper
This species has transparent wings with no dark bands. The body is light brown or tan. It is medium-sized, around 1 inch.
Clear-winged grasshoppers eat mostly grasses. They are common in prairies and hayfields. They do not usually damage gardens.
Behavior
- Fly short distances
- Sing by rubbing legs against wings
- Active during the hottest part of the day
Carolina Grasshopper
This is a large, heavy-bodied grasshopper. It is gray or brown with dark spots. When it flies, you see bright yellow wings underneath.
Carolina grasshoppers are slow movers. They prefer bare soil or gravel areas. They eat dead plant material and some live leaves.
Unique Trait
They make a crackling sound when flying. This helps you identify them even before you see them.
Migratory Grasshopper
This species is famous for swarming in other states. In Wisconsin, it is less common but still present. It has a brown body with a dark stripe on the pronotum (the shield behind the head).
Migratory grasshoppers eat almost any plant. They can travel long distances. In outbreak years, they cause serious crop loss.
Warning Signs
- Large groups moving together
- Rapid defoliation of plants
- Presence in late spring
How To Identify Grasshoppers In Wisconsin
You do not need a microscope. Look at three things: size, color, and leg markings. Also note the habitat where you found it.
Step-By-Step Identification
- Note the body length. Is it under 1 inch or over?
- Check the back legs. Are they red, banded, or plain?
- Look at the wings. Are they clear or patterned?
- Observe the behavior. Does it fly far or stay put?
Use a field guide app for photos. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a free online key.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing grasshoppers with katydids. Katydids have long antennae.
- Mistaking nymphs for adults. Nymphs have no wings.
- Thinking all brown grasshoppers are the same. Check the legs.
Where Grasshoppers Live In Wisconsin
Grasshoppers are not everywhere. They prefer certain habitats. Knowing this helps you predict where to find them.
Farm Fields
Two-striped and differential grasshoppers love crops. They eat alfalfa, soybeans, and corn. You see them most in July and August.
Prairies And Meadows
Clear-winged and red-legged grasshoppers live here. They eat native grasses. These areas have high grasshopper diversity.
Gardens And Lawns
Migratory and Carolina grasshoppers sometimes invade gardens. They eat lettuce, beans, and flowers. Lawns are less attractive unless the grass is tall.
Roadsides And Ditches
These disturbed areas host many species. The soil is bare in spots, which Carolina grasshoppers like. Weeds provide food for others.
When Grasshoppers Are Active
Grasshoppers are cold-blooded. They need warmth to move. In Wisconsin, their activity follows the seasons.
Spring (May-June)
Nymphs hatch from eggs. They are small and wingless. You see them on sunny days. They eat tender new growth.
Summer (July-August)
Adults appear. This is when they cause the most damage. They mate and lay eggs. Hot, dry weather speeds up their development.
Fall (September-October)
Egg-laying continues. Adults die after the first hard frost. Some species survive until November in warm spots.
Why Grasshoppers Matter
Grasshoppers are not just pests. They play important roles. Understanding this helps you manage them wisely.
In The Food Web
- Birds eat grasshoppers. Robins, bluebirds, and hawks rely on them.
- Small mammals like mice and shrews eat them.
- Predatory insects like praying mantises hunt them.
As Plant Consumers
Grasshoppers recycle plant material. Their droppings fertilize the soil. In low numbers, they do not harm ecosystems.
As Pests
Only a few species become pests. Outbreaks happen when conditions are perfect. Drought and overgrazing make problems worse.
How To Manage Grasshoppers
If grasshoppers are damaging your plants, you have options. Start with prevention. Use chemicals only as a last resort.
Prevention Tips
- Keep grass short near gardens. Tall grass shelters nymphs.
- Remove weeds that attract them.
- Use row covers on young plants.
Natural Controls
- Encourage birds. Put up birdhouses and feeders.
- Plant flowers that attract beneficial insects.
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to small infestations.
Chemical Controls
Use baits or sprays with carbaryl or permethrin. Follow label directions. Apply in the morning when grasshoppers are slow.
Important: Do not spray when bees are active. Grasshopper control can harm pollinators.
Grasshopper Life Cycle
Understanding the life cycle helps you time your control efforts. Grasshoppers go through three stages.
Egg
Females lay eggs in the soil. They choose sunny, bare areas. The egg pod holds 20-30 eggs. Eggs survive winter underground.
Nymph
Nymphs hatch in spring. They look like tiny adults but have no wings. They molt 5-6 times as they grow. Each molt brings them closer to adulthood.
Adult
Adults have fully developed wings. They can fly and mate. Most live 2-3 months. Females lay multiple egg pods.
Grasshoppers Vs. Other Insects
People often confuse grasshoppers with similar insects. Here is how to tell them apart.
Crickets
Crickets have long antennae, often longer than their body. Grasshoppers have short antennae. Crickets are active at night; grasshoppers are diurnal.
Katydids
Katydids look like green leaves. Their antennae are very long. They sing at night. Grasshoppers are thicker and more colorful.
Locusts
Locusts are a type of grasshopper. In Wisconsin, the migratory grasshopper can behave like a locust. But true locust swarms are rare here.
Grasshopper Species Not In Wisconsin
Some grasshoppers you might hear about do not live here. Knowing this saves confusion.
- Desert locust – lives in Africa and Asia
- American grasshopper – found in southern states
- Spur-throated grasshopper – common in the Plains, not Wisconsin
Fun Facts About Wisconsin Grasshoppers
These little facts might surprise you. They show how interesting grasshoppers really are.
- Grasshoppers can jump 20 times their body length.
- They hear through organs on their abdomen.
- Some species change color based on temperature.
- Female grasshoppers are usually larger than males.
Common Questions About Grasshoppers In Wisconsin
Here are answers to frequent questions. They cover topics people often wonder about.
What Is The Most Common Grasshopper In Wisconsin?
The two-striped grasshopper is the most widespread. You see it in farm fields and roadsides across the state.
Are Grasshoppers Harmful To Humans?
No. They do not bite or sting. They are harmless to people. Some species can pinch if handled roughly.
Can Grasshoppers Damage My Garden?
Yes, especially if numbers are high. They eat leaves, stems, and flowers. Protect young plants with covers.
How Long Do Grasshoppers Live?
Most adults live 2-3 months. The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes about one year.
What Eats Grasshoppers In Wisconsin?
Many animals eat them. Birds, snakes, frogs, spiders, and predatory insects all prey on grasshoppers.
Final Thoughts On Grasshoppers In Wisconsin
Knowing the types of grasshoppers in wisconsin helps you understand your local environment. Most species are harmless and even beneficial. A few can be pests, but you can manage them with simple steps.
Next time you see a grasshopper, take a closer look. Notice its legs, wings, and color. You might be able to identify it using this guide. Enjoy watching these fascinating insects in your backyard or local park.
Remember, grasshoppers are part of Wisconsin’s natural heritage. They have been here long before farms and cities. Learning about them connects you to the land in a small but meaningful way.
If you have more questions, check with your local extension office. They have resources specific to your county. Happy grasshopper spotting.