Green Nature

American Bird Grasshopper

picture of an American Bird Grasshopper


The American Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca americana), one of nine Schistocerca species found in the United States, ranges from the central plains to the East Coast.

They are a fairly large size grasshopper that often flies into trees when startled.

Within their range, they are known as voracious eaters, consuming a variety of crop plants and the leaves of crop trees.

The picture shows an adult with the black speckled wings, in a typical crouching pose.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels