Saddle-backed Bush-cricket vs Differential Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saddle-backed Bush-cricket Differential Grasshopper
Scientific Name Ephippiger ephippiger Melanoplus differentialis
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Tettigoniidae Acrididae
Size 22-30mm 28-50 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Saddle-backed Bush-cricket

A robust bush-cricket named for its saddle-shaped pronotum. It has vestigial wings used only for sound production. Both males and females can stridulate and will duet with each other.

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Did You Know?

Both sexes sing, and females respond to male calls, making them one of the few katydids where both sexes duet.

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.