Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#229098
Red-legged Grasshopper - Melanoplus femurrubrum

Red-legged Grasshopper - Melanoplus femurrubrum
Lacey (near Olympia), Thurston County, Washington, USA
September 5, 2008

Images of this individual: tag all
Red-legged Grasshopper - Melanoplus femurrubrum Red-legged Grasshopper - Melanoplus femurrubrum Red-legged Grasshopper - Melanoplus femurrubrum Red-legged Grasshopper - Melanoplus femurrubrum

That's what it is alright
This one is easier than many (the shape of the subgenital plate is very unique in this one), so the close-ups aren't needed to identify it, but they would still be great. If you show a cropped view of these two shots (as long as they are still clear), they would be excellent for reference. The one has the little flower in the way a bit, but not enough to completely hide the shape of the subgenital plate from above. I can see the furculae, the cerci, and the subgenital plate, and these two views really show what needs to be seen for identification of most Melanoplus species.

 
closeups
Unfortunately, I wasn't as in focus as I thought. :) I cropped both shots in a little closer, but don't think I could take them much closer due to the poor focus. Sorry.

 
a lot better than some of mine
They still show quite a bit of detail.

Red-legged Grasshopper
What do you think of .

 
pretty good bet
We get *lots* of them around here. But I posted this pick as it shows the end of the abdomen. I'm wondering if I should crop for just that portion of the anatomy as in the past the orthoptera enthusiasts always seem to want a look at it.

 
Yes,
working with David I think I have the "views needed" down. Here are the first four, and this one of the underside of the "chest". He has been such a great help with the grasshopper!