Differential grasshopper vs Green-striped grasshopper
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a differential grasshopper from a green-striped grasshopper, and whether either one bites or stings.
Differential grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis
Green-striped grasshopper
Chortophaga viridifasciata
≠The key differences
Melanoplus differentialis is more robust, often has darker mottling and lacks the continuous bright lateral yellow stripe typical of C. viridifasciata.
⚖︎Side by side
| Differential grasshopper | Green-striped grasshopper | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Body length 25-50 mm (females generally larger than males) | Males about 18-28 mm body length, females about 25-40 mm body length |
| Colours | Tan, Brown, Yellow-green, Black markings | Green, Yellow stripe, Brown, Black (markings) |
| Family | Acrididae | Acrididae |
| Habitat | Grasslands, pastures, roadside vegetation, lawns, croplands and other open, grassy or weedy areas | Open grassy areas: meadows, pastures, roadsides, field edges and grassy clearings in woodland |
| Range | Much of the United States (absent from the Pacific Northwest and the far north) south 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 to early autumn; most visible and abundant in mid to late summer during daytime | Late spring to early fall; adults common in mid to late summer and active during daylight (diurnal) |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a differential grasshopper
- Large, robust short-horned grasshopper with body length about 25-50 mm; females larger than males.
- Olive-green to yellowish-brown, fairly smooth and shiny body; older adults may be darker.
- Distinctive black chevron (herringbone) markings on the yellow hind femurs; hind tibiae yellow with black spines.
- Wings long in adults, reaching or extending beyond the abdomen; strong jumping hind legs.
🔍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 differential grasshopper and a green-striped grasshopper?
Melanoplus differentialis is more robust, often has darker mottling and lacks the continuous bright lateral yellow stripe typical of C. viridifasciata.
Is a differential grasshopper or a green-striped grasshopper more dangerous?
Differential grasshopper: Non-toxic. Green-striped grasshopper: Non-toxic. Not dangerous to people. 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.