10 Black and White Grasshopper Types | (With Location)

Grasshoppers are the most common type of insect even you can find them in your backyard. They are found in different colors  in nature like green, brown etc.  Have you heard about black and white grasshoppers? Sounds fascinating right. 

In this article you can find about these fascinating creatures. So here is the information about 10 black and white grasshoppers that are found in nature. 

10 Black and White Grasshopper Types

1. Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper | Credit: fieldstation.olemiss

Scientific name 

Romalea microptera 

Size 

64-76 mm

Location 

South eastern US 

Identification 

Black body with white markings 

This genus of grasshopper is native to South eastern US and they are known for their unique color and size. They are one of the Giant black and white colored grasshoppers.

They are characterized by black spots and markings. In adult stage either they are entirely black or have yellow or white markings on it. The black morph adult stage of this grasshopper is also known as black diablo.

This species of grasshopper ,R. microptera, also follow several defense strategies. They are brightly colored by which they warn the predators that they are not worth eating. This phenomenon is known as Aposematism.


2. Green Legged Grasshopper

Green Legged Grasshopper
Green Legged Grasshopper | Credit: Bernie Paquette (inaturalist)

Scientific name 

Melanoplus viridipes 

Size 

17-25 mm

Location 

Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw 

Identification 

Characteristic green legs 

This herbivores species of grasshopper found on ground or in low vegetation or on open woods. They are characterized by their green Legs.

Females are comparatively larger than the males. The size of males range from 17.5 to 18.5 mm and females body size range from 21.5 to 25.5 mm. The lower half of the pronotum is white and top of it is either black or black with white patches. There wings are short and cover only half of the abdomen.


3. Red Legged Grasshopper Nymphs

Scientific name 

Melanoplus femurrubrum 

Size 

1.5 inches 

Location 

North America 

Identification 

Black body with red legs 

The red legged grasshoppers are used as model organism as it widely distributed in all parts of North America and their responsiveness toward climate changes.

The nymphs are difficult to identify to this species. The nymphs of this species vary in coloration like green,yellow,orange,brown and have black or greyish markings on it.

Females of this species are also larger than males. The body size of male range from 1.7cm to 2.4 cm and females body size range from 1.8 cm to 3.0 cm. This north American native species are univoltine and they prefer areas of thick vegetation and grasslands.


4. White Whiskered Grasshopper

White Whiskered Grasshopper
White Whiskered Grasshopper | Credit: Mathew Zappa (inaturalist)

Scientific name 

Ageneotettix deorum 

Size 

0.75 inches 

Location 

North America 

Identification 

Thread like white antennae 

Ageneotettix deorum also known as white whisker grasshopper belong to the diverse group of slant faced grasshoppers. They are widely distributed in the grasslands of North America

They are characterized by their long thread like white antennae which resemble the old man whiskers. The junction of femur and tibia are black in color and white strips are run along the entire length of body.


5. Two Striped Grasshopper

Two Striped Grasshopper
Two Striped Grasshopper | Credit: Jarek Tuszyński (commons.wikimedia) CC-BY-SA-3.0

Scientific name 

Melanoplus bivittatus 

Size 

30-55 cm

Location 

Most part of US 

Identification 

Two pale yellow or whitish strips 

It is one of the largest species of grasshopper of the genus Melanoplus. This species of grasshopper is known for its periodic outbreaks and considerd as the major crop pest for alfalfa, corn etc.

It can be easily differentiated from the other species by its characteristic two pale yellow or white strips which run along its entire length. wing color of this species vary from black to brownish and green. Hind femur is primarily blackish in color.

One can easily diffrentiate between male and female as the females are much larger in size as compared to males. This highly adaptable species of grasshopper from North America prefer lush vegetation.


6. Azure Sand Grasshopper

Scientific name 

Sphingonotus azurescens 

Size 

1.5-2 inches 

Location 

Portugal, Spain 

Identification 

Striking black and white coloration with blue wings 

It is named so because of its blue -green coloration of wings which are whitish or yellowish at tips. All over the body of this grasshopper dark black spots are present. This type of appearance help them to blend in sand.

The diet of this herbivore species comprises primarily of grasses and other plants. They are quite active and can be find hopping here and there in sandy areas in search of food and mate.


7. Blue Winged Grasshopper

Blue Winged Grasshopper
Blue Winged Grasshopper | Credit: Charles J. Sharp (Commons.wikimedia) (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Scientific name 

Oedipoda calrulescens 

Size 

21-28 mm

Location 

Europe, North America, Asia 

Identification 

Blue wings 

The coloration of this species depends on the environment in which they are developed which varies from brownish to reddish in color. They have characteristic blue wings with highlighted black margins. Forewings have 2-3 dark and pale whitish stripes.

They can easily camouflaged themselves cryptically in arid regions due to their outer appearance. They are well adapted to the human made sites like railway track, coal heaps etc.


8. Rattle Grasshopper

Rattle Grasshopper
Rattle Grasshopper | Credit: IKAl (commons.wikimedia) (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Scientific name 

Psophus stridulus 

Size 

23-40 mm

Location 

Central and South Europe, in the eastern palearctic realm 

Identification 

black body with light spots 

The coloration of this strongly endangered species of grasshopper varies from brownish to grey ocre or black with pale spots. Wings are fully developed in male only. Hindlegs have alternate black and pale whitish bands.


9. Carolina Grasshopper

Scientific name 

Dissortetra Carolina 

Size 

32-58mm

Location 

North America 

Identification 

Blackish inner wings with yellow-whitish margin

This north American native species have high ecological value as it feeds on several species of weeds. Also known as black winged grasshopper due to its characteristic black colored wings with white margins.


10. Texas Spotted Range Grasshopper Nymphs

Scientific name 

Psoloessa texana 

Size 

>1 inch 

Location 

Nebraska, South Dakota,Texas,Mexico

Identification 

Pale green with black markings 

This medium sized grasshopper of species of size around 1 inch with brownish body and black legs. And white spots are also present in nymphs. They have twofold ecological value. They maintain the growth of vegetation as well as it is food source for other animals.


Conclusion

In conclusion, these fascinating black and white grasshoppers plays a very important role in nature. By their black and white coloration not only they camouflaged themselves but also warn predators that they are not worth eating.


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