Montana Field Guide

The following is taken from Capinera et al. (2004), Pfadt (2002), Scott (2010), and Vickery and Kevan (1985). A colorful green, medium-size species with striking markings of black, white or cream, and orange stripes. The dorsal head has a white or cream stripe which extends onto the top of the pronotum. Laterally, a dark stripe behind the eye, extends onto the pronotum and is bordered by white stripes. The fore and mid femurs are green and orange, the hind femur possesses an orange ring near the knee. The hind tibia is light blue, sometimes greenish blue in females.

Overwinters in an embryonic stage going into diapause. Nymphs are believed to begin appearing in late June or early July. Adults occur from August to late September into early October (Pfadt 2002).

The adult body length of males is 16-22 mm, females 20-33 mm. The wings are narrow and may reach to the tip of the abdomen, but commonly only extend two-thirds its length. They are opaque, pale green with a pale longitudinal stripe, and become clear at the tip (Capinera et al. 2004, Pfadt 2002, Scott 2010, Vickery and Kevan 1985).

None in Montana for which it could be confused. There are two subspecies in the U.S.: H. viridus pratensis (generally western) and H. viridus brevipennis (generally eastern) (Vickery and Kevan 1985).

Inhabits dry, weedy, and brushy areas, especially where broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), is present. The species is common, but not abundant. It can usually be found hidden in a clump of snakeweed, thus, its common name (Capinera et al. 2004, Pfadt 2002, Scott 2010, Vickery et al. 1985).

Feeds on a variety of plants over its extensive range. All host plants are forbs, and most are in the family Asteraceae. Field observations have shown that this grasshopper feeds on a minimum of 34 plant species over its extensive range. Favored species include snakeweed, rabbitbrush, goldenrod, and ragweed. Also known to feed on trace amounts of grasses, flower petals, pollen, fungi, and other arthropods (Pfadt 2002).

The following is taken from Capinera and Sechrist (1982), and Pfadt (2002). Adults appear to have a relatively long reproduction period, from fledging to courtship, mating, and first egg-laying (oviposition) which can begin in early summer and last into early October. The female selects a site of bare ground at the base of a host plant, or a clump of shortgrass to lay 8 to 18 eggs in two columns enclosed in a tough-walled pod. The female digs into the soil while sitting erect, holding onto an upright plant stem. The eggs are deposited while sitting with the hind femurs spread at a sharp angle.