Carolina grasshopper vs Green-striped grasshopper
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a Carolina grasshopper from a green-striped grasshopper, and whether either one bites or stings.
Carolina grasshopper
Dissosteira carolina
Green-striped grasshopper
Chortophaga viridifasciata
≠The key differences
Larger, plain brown band-winged grasshopper with mostly black hindwings edged in pale yellow; never green, and adults are seen mainly in mid to late summer.
⚖︎Side by side
| Carolina grasshopper | Green-striped grasshopper | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 25-50 mm body length | Males about 18-28 mm body length, females about 25-40 mm body length |
| Colours | Gray-brown, Tan, Dark brown / black (hind wings), Yellowish (occasionally) | Green, Yellow stripe, Brown, Black (markings) |
| Family | Acrididae | Acrididae |
| Habitat | Dry, open habitats — grasslands, fields, roadsides, sand dunes, disturbed and sparsely vegetated sites | Open grassy areas: meadows, pastures, roadsides, field edges and grassy clearings in woodland |
| Range | Widespread across North America, from southern Canada through much of the United States and into northern Mexico | Widespread in eastern and central North America, including the United States and southern Canada; range extends west to parts of the Great Plains |
| Active | Late spring through early fall; most common midsummer to early autumn; active during daylight hours | Late spring to early fall; adults common in mid to late summer and active during daylight (diurnal) |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a Carolina grasshopper
- Look for medium-large grasshopper 25-50 mm long with mottled gray-tan body matching dry ground
- Flush the insect; black hind wings with a pale yellowish border are diagnostic in flight
- Short antennae and rounded pronotum without long spines distinguish it from katydids
🔍How to spot a green-striped grasshopper
- Look for a pale yellow to bright yellow longitudinal stripe along the side of the pronotum and wing area.
- Overall green body coloration; wings often show yellow at the base in flight.
- Size dimorphism: females noticeably larger and stouter than males.
- Found in open grassy habitats—standing and flying low over grasses.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Carolina grasshopper and a green-striped grasshopper?
Larger, plain brown band-winged grasshopper with mostly black hindwings edged in pale yellow; never green, and adults are seen mainly in mid to late summer.
Is a Carolina grasshopper or a green-striped grasshopper more dangerous?
Carolina grasshopper: Non-toxic. Green-striped grasshopper: Non-toxic. Carolina grasshoppers are not venomous or poisonous. Not dangerous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.