Species Melanoplus scudderi - Scudder's Spur-throat Grasshopper

male: 14-20 mm, female: 22-26 mm

Wings short, shorter than pronotum or slightly longer. Coloration brown to reddish brown. Hind femorae do not have bands on their outer faces, as in many Melanoplus, but may have two dark spots on top. Tibiae reddish. The oval forewings almost overlap above. Dark stripe behind eye may be present, but is often weak or absent. Found late in season, into late fall. Apparently the most abundant of the short-winged Melanoplus in many areas.

Reference works state this is likely a species group, but the form seems distinctive enough for a guide page within the genus.

Eastern United States and parts of southern Canada

Open woodland, brushy areas, forest edges.

Typically fall into early winter. August-December (eastern North Carolina). August-November (Michigan).

Feeds on forbs and other broad-leafed plants.

Capinera, Field Guide to Grasshoppers..., pp. 138-139, plate 29 (1)

Capinera, Grasshoppers of Florida, p. 111, description (2)

Bland, p. 100, photo of specimen (3)

Helfer, pp. 249-250, fig. 386 (4)

Brimley, p. 26 (5)

Mississippi Entomological Museum

On checkists or in collections for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Michigan.