Montana Field Guide

The following comes from Hebard (1928), Brooks (1958), Helfer (1971), Otte (1981), Vickery and Kevan (1985), McDaniel (1987), Capinera et al. (2004), and Scott (2010). A slender, rather indistinct grasshopper with forewings (tegmina) extending to or beyond the tip of the abdomen. Body color is generally brown or green. On dark soils or burned forests, a blackish form may occur. The hind tibia is usually brown, but sometimes blueish.

No data is available regarding overwintering and nymph appearance. Adults are found from July to October. In its southern range, adults occur throughout the year (Brooks 1958, Brust et al. 2008, Capinera and Sechrist 1982, Capinera et al. 2004, Hebard 1928, Otte 1984, Pfadt 2002, Scott 2010, Vickery and Kevan 1985, and Brooks 1958).

The following is taken from Hebard (1928), Brooks (1958), Helfer (1971), Otte (1981), Vickery and Kevan (1985), McDaniel (1987), Capinera and Sechrist (1982), Capinera et al. (2004), and Scott (2010). The body length to end of forewings is 18 mm to 25mm for males, and 18 mm to 28 mm for females. A broad dark stripe occurs from the back of the eye and across the lateral side of the pronotum. A series of dark spots are present along the forewings and the posterior portion usually possesses numerous speckles, hence the common name for this species. Antennae are generally thread-like (filiform). There are two dark triangular spots, posteriorly, on the dorsal surface of the pronotum which is constricted near the middle and cut by 2 (sometimes 3) sulci (grooves or furrows). This feature is diagnostic for quickly separating this species from Pasture Grasshopper (Orphulella speciosa).

Can be confused with its congener, the Pasture Grasshopper (Orphulella speciosa). Refer to that species for diagnostic characteristics to determine positive identification.

The following is taken from Capinera et al. (2004), Hebard (1928), Otte (1984), and Vickery and Kevan (1985). The Spotted-wing Grasshopper, due to its wide geographical range, inhabits a diversity of regional habitat types except those that are heavily shaded. In the Great Plains Region, it frequents the swales and river valleys of grasslands. Regardless of its broad distribution and adaptability, this species is rarely numerous in any habitat or location.

Considered a grass and sedge feeder. Dietary data is poorly known, but has been observed to feed on Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum), in areas where it is abundant (Brust et al. 2008, Capinera et al. 2004, Otte 1984, and Vickery and Kevan 1985).

No data or observations are available in the literature.