Insect · GBIF taxon 1707282
American Bird Grasshopper
Schistocerca americanaAlso known as American Grasshopper, American Locust
American bird grasshoppers are large, strong-flying insects recognized by their yellowish-brown bodies and distinct light stripe running down the center of the back. Nymphs display vibrant green or reddish-pink coloration before maturing into powerful flyers capable of sustained travel over long distances. They feed on a wide variety of broadleaf plants and crops, occasionally forming dense local populations in warm, southern landscapes.
Strong FlyerHerbivorousInvertebrate
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Citrus Foliage
- Broadleaf Crops
Predators
- Birds
- Rodents
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticide application, habitat loss
HabitatsOld fields, pastures, crop fields, coastal dunes, open woodlands
Life spanUp to 1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOrthoptera
- FamilyAcrididae
- GenusSchistocerca
- SpeciesSchistocerca americana
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
- Spotting: Look for adults flushed from tall grass, flying high like small birds.
- Nymph Identification: Watch for brightly patterned green or pinkish immatures in spring.
- Approach Strategy: Approach slowly from behind as their compound eyes easily detect motion.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Dennis White · cc0
Co-occurring Species (c) Healthy Yards, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Healthy Yards · cc-by
Close Relative Christiaan Kooyman / Public domain · cc0
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Mystic Meadows
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