Jerusalem Cricket vs Differential Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jerusalem Cricket Differential Grasshopper
Scientific Name Stenopelmatus fuscus Melanoplus differentialis
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Stenopelmatidae Acrididae
Size 30-50 mm 28-50 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Jerusalem Cricket

A large, flightless insect with a round head and amber-banded abdomen found in western North America. Despite its name it is neither from Jerusalem nor a true cricket.

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Did You Know?

Jerusalem crickets communicate with potential mates by drumming their abdomens against the ground, sending vibrations through the soil.

Differential Grasshopper

A large spur-throated grasshopper recognized by the herringbone pattern on its hind femora. It is a significant agricultural pest in North America.

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Did You Know?

Differential grasshoppers can eat about half their body weight in vegetation each day, causing millions of dollars in crop damage during outbreaks.