Insect · GBIF taxon 1698848
Keeler's Spur-throat Grasshopper
Melanoplus keeleriAlso known as Keeler Grasshopper
Keeler's spur-throat grasshoppers thrive in open grasslands, old fields, and sandy prairie barrens across central and eastern North America. Unlike many rangeland locusts, they feed primarily on broadleaf forbs like sunflowers and ragweed, regularly clambering up tall stems to browse foliage and flowerheads. Females deposit drought-resistant egg pods directly into dry, undisturbed soil during late autumn, ensuring the next generation survives harsh winter freezes.
GrasshopperHerbivorePrairie Native
Licensed reference(c) Katlyn Kimmi, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunflowers
- Ragweeds
- Goldenrods
Predators
- American Kestrel
- Grasshopper Sparrow
- Robber Flies
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide applications and grassland conversion
HabitatsPrairies, old fields, pastures, and sandy roadsides
Life spanAbout 1 year (overwintering as eggs)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOrthoptera
- FamilyAcrididae
- GenusMelanoplus
- SpeciesMelanoplus keeleri
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Finding Adults: Sweep your gaze across tall composites like goldenrod or sunflower heads during sunny afternoons.
- Careful Approach: Move your shadow behind you, as sudden shifts in light prompt quick leaping escapes.
Predator (c) Jonathan Eisen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jonathan Eisen · cc-by
Close Relative [2] / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative "Two-striped Grasshopper - Melanoplus bivittata, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine" by Judy Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Dennis White · cc0
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