Water Treader vs Gray Bird Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Treader | Gray Bird Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesovelia mulsanti | Schistocerca nitens |
| Order | Hemiptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Mesoveliidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 35-55 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Americas, from United States to South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Water Treader
A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.
Did You Know?
It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.
Gray Bird Grasshopper
A large, strong-flying grasshopper of arid western North America. It is closely related to the desert locust but does not form true swarms.
Did You Know?
It can fly several kilometers in a single flight, making it one of the most mobile grasshoppers in North America.