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Common green grasshopper

The common green grasshopper can be found in damp meadows and woodland rides throughout summer. Males can be seen rubbing their legs against their wings to create a 'song' for the females.

Scientific name

Omocestus viridulus

When to see

April to September

Species information

Category

Statistics

Length: 1.4-2.3cm

Conservation status

Common.

About

An invertebrate of damp meadows, woodland rides and hillside pastures, the common green grasshopper is widespread in the uplands, but has a more patchy distribution, and may be declining, in the lowlands. It is the earliest grasshopper to appear in the spring, hatching in April and moulting into adult form in June. Males can be seen displaying to females by rubbing their legs against their wings to create a 'song' - in this case, it is a long, loud, 'churring' noise. After mating, the eggs are laid in the soil ready to hatch the following spring.

How to identify

The common green grasshopper is mostly green, but sometimes has brownish sides. Most grasshoppers are best identified by their songs: the common green grasshopper's characteristic long, loud song lasts 20 seconds or more, and sounds like the ticking of a free-wheeling bicycle.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

When grasshoppers sing it is known as 'stridulation'. They create this noise by rubbing their hind legs against special comb-like structures on their forewings.