- Wildlife
- Invertebrates
- Grasshoppers and crickets
- Field Grasshopper
Philip Precey
About
Common and widespread, the Field Grasshopper is ubiquitous in any open, sunny, grassy area, including our gardens. Adults are present from June until late autumn, feeding on plants and grass. A gregarious species, males can be seen displaying to females by rubbing their legs against their wings to create a 'song' - in this case, it is brief, single chirrup, repeated at short intervals. After mating, the eggs are laid in the soil ready to hatch the following summer.
How to identify
Usually mottled brown in colour, with barring on the sides, the Field Grasshopper is most easily identified if seen close-up when the the very hairy 'chest' ' is clearly visible.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
How can people help
Grasshoppers are common in gardens and can be encouraged by the provision of sunny, grassy areas and places to bask. In turn, other species will be attracted to the garden as grasshoppers are a food source for many animals, including bats, birds and amphibians, providing a vital link in the food chain. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.