Two-striped grasshopper vs American bird grasshopper
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a two-striped grasshopper from an American bird grasshopper, and whether either one bites or stings.
Two-striped grasshopper
Melanoplus bivittatus
American bird grasshopper
Schistocerca americana
≠The key differences
Smaller on average and has distinctive pale dorsal stripes; Melanoplus adults have shorter wings relative to body in many females compared with Schistocerca.
⚖︎Side by side
| Two-striped grasshopper | American bird grasshopper | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Males about 23-30 mm; females about 30-55 mm body length (varies with region and nutrition) | 30-55 mm body length |
| Colours | Yellow, Brown, Black, Green | Olive green, Brown, Gray, Yellow |
| Family | Acrididae | Acrididae |
| Habitat | Grasslands, pastures, roadsides, weedy fields, and agricultural crops across plains and open areas | Open grassy places: fields, pastures, roadsides, crop margins and disturbed ground; also in shrub-grass mosaics. |
| Range | Widespread across most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico; less common in the southeastern United States | Eastern and central United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. |
| Active | Active in spring through autumn; most conspicuous in warm months and during daylight | Warm months (spring through fall in temperate zones); diurnal (active during day). |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍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.
🔍How to spot an American bird grasshopper
- Large, robust short-horned grasshopper with well-developed hind legs and wings extending beyond the abdomen in adults.
- Colour variable: olive green, brown or gray with mottling—matches surrounding vegetation.
- Strong jumpers; when disturbed often fly short distances then land in vegetation.
- Females larger with broader abdomen; look for soil egg pods in bare ground in late summer and autumn.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a two-striped grasshopper and an American bird grasshopper?
Smaller on average and has distinctive pale dorsal stripes; Melanoplus adults have shorter wings relative to body in many females compared with Schistocerca.
Is a two-striped grasshopper or an American bird grasshopper more dangerous?
Two-striped grasshopper: Non-toxic. American bird grasshopper: Non-toxic. Not venomous and not harmful to people. Schistocerca americana is not venomous and is not dangerous 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.