Saddle-backed Bush-cricket vs Wingless Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saddle-backed Bush-cricket Wingless Grasshopper
Scientific Name Ephippiger ephippiger Phaulacridium vittatum
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Tettigoniidae Acrididae
Size 22-30mm Body 15-20 mm
Habitat Heathland Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Australia, New Zealand
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.

Wingless Grasshopper

A small, common grasshopper found across Australia and New Zealand with reduced or absent wings. It can become a significant pasture pest in large numbers.

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Did You Know?

Despite being mostly wingless, it has successfully spread across two countries by walking and jumping.