Differential grasshopper vs Two-striped grasshopper
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a differential grasshopper from a two-striped grasshopper, and whether either one bites or stings.
Differential grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis
Two-striped grasshopper
Melanoplus bivittatus
≠The key differences
Two-striped grasshopper has two pale stripes running from the head along the back to the wing tips and a single dark stripe on the hind femur, instead of the black herringbone pattern of M. differentialis.
Generally larger and more uniformly olive-yellow without the paired pale dorsal stripes; the hind femur has black chevron markings and the hind tibia is often yellow.
⚖︎Side by side
| Differential grasshopper | Two-striped grasshopper | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Body length 25-50 mm (females generally larger than males) | Males about 23-30 mm; females about 30-55 mm body length (varies with region and nutrition) |
| Colours | Tan, Brown, Yellow-green, Black markings | Yellow, Brown, Black, Green |
| Family | Acrididae | Acrididae |
| Habitat | Grasslands, pastures, roadside vegetation, lawns, croplands and other open, grassy or weedy areas | Grasslands, pastures, roadsides, weedy fields, and agricultural crops across plains and open areas |
| Range | Much of the United States (absent from the Pacific Northwest and the far north) south into northern Mexico | Widespread across most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico; less common in the southeastern United States |
| Active | Late spring to early autumn; most visible and abundant in mid to late summer during daytime | Active in spring through autumn; most conspicuous in warm months and during daylight |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍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 two-striped grasshopper
- Two pale yellowish stripes running from behind the eyes along the top of the thorax onto the wings are characteristic.
- Olive-green to brown base color with variable mottling; adults have well-developed wings.
- Females noticeably larger and bulkier than males; look for ovipositor at rear of female.
- Short antennae (typical of Acrididae) and strong hind legs for jumping.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a differential grasshopper and a two-striped grasshopper?
Two-striped grasshopper has two pale stripes running from the head along the back to the wing tips and a single dark stripe on the hind femur, instead of the black herringbone pattern of M. differentialis. Generally larger and more uniformly olive-yellow without the paired pale dorsal stripes; the hind femur has black chevron markings and the hind tibia is often yellow.
Is a differential grasshopper or a two-striped grasshopper more dangerous?
Differential grasshopper: Non-toxic. Two-striped grasshopper: Non-toxic. Not dangerous to people. Not venomous and not harmful to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.