- Wildlife
- Invertebrates
- Grasshoppers and crickets
- Green Grasshopper
northeastwildlife.co.uk
About
An insect of damp meadows and hillside pastures, the Common Green Grasshopper is widespread in the uplands, but more local and perhaps declining in the lowlands. It is the earliest grasshopper to appear in the spring, hatching in April and moulting into adult form in June. Males can be seen displaying to females by rubbing their legs against their wings to create a 'song' - in this case, it is long, loud, 'churring' noise. After mating, the eggs are laid in the soil ready to hatch the following spring.
How to identify
The Common Green Grasshopper is mostly green but may have brownish sides. Most grasshoppers are best identified by their songs: the Common Green Grasshopper's characteristic long, loud song, lasts 20 seconds or more, and sounds like the ticking of a free-wheeling bicycle.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Grasshoppers are a food source for many animals, including bats, birds and amphibians, providing a vital link in the food chain. The Wildlife Trusts recognise the importance of healthy habitats to support all kinds of species throughout the food chain, so look after many grassland nature reserves for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from scrub-cutting to stockwatching.