Montana Field Guide

The following is taken from Capinera et al. (2004), Scott (2010), Vickery and Kevan (1985). Body color is extremely variable. Base color can be reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, yellowish-green, olive-green, olive-brown, or dark brown. Most individuals have a yellowish dorsal longitudinal stripe that extends from the head to the pronotum and onto the forewings. The stripe can be absent in some individuals, with only a small yellow spot on the pronotum. When disturbed, it flies high and for long distances. Thus, the name "bird grasshopper!

This species overwinters in the egg stage. Nymphs emerge in spring. Adults occur from July to mid-October, with peak abundance in August (Vickery and Kevan 1985).

The following comes from Capinera et al. (2004), Scott (2010), Vickery and Kevan (1985). This is a relatively large grasshopper. The body length to end of forewings is 27-37 mm for males and 33-51 mm for females. Hind tibia is black to dark reddish, with long white spines tipped with black. Front and middle femurs of males are inflated. Wings, when fully developed, are as long as the abdomen, and usually surpass its tip. The abdomen usually has a row of dark dots near the rear edge sides of each segment. The eyes possess light longitudinal stripes.

There are many species of Schistocerca in the U.S. In Montana, the Spotted Bird Grasshopper (S. lineata) is the only species with confirmed occurrence reports (Capinera et al. 2004, Scott 2010, Vickery and Kevan 1985).

Found in a variety of habitats like dry grasslands, open forest stands, and weedy thickets. Seems to prefer dry areas with sandy soils. Has been collected in some damper habitats like along the margins of small streams and irrigation ditches (Capinera et al. 2004, Scott 2010, Vickery and Kevan 1985).

Wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) is a favorite food plant. Also favors milkvetches, (Astragalus sp.) and sweet pea, (Lathyrus sp). Its populations rarely become abundant enough to feed on alfalfa. It feeds little on grasses (Vickery and Kevan 1985).

Nymphs appear in spring and adult sexual maturity is reached by early July. A female produces about 200 eggs. Egg masses are laid in the soil, and each pod contains 35-64 eggs (Vickery and Kevan 1985).