How to Identify Types of Florida Grasshoppers

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the southern lubber grasshopper by its large size and distinctive coloring. Perhaps the best known of all of the grasshoppers that are found in the state, the lubber sports bright orange, yellow and red colorings, which warn would-be predators that it contains powerful toxins. Aside from the bright colors, this type of grasshopper can also be identified by its large size, growing up to 4 inches in length, and its clumsy, slow and labored method of moving.

  The website Wild Florida advises that should a swarm of lubber grasshoppers infest a garden and start feasting on broad-leafed plants, the best way of getting rid of them is by picking them up by hand and drowning them in a bucket of water.

• 2

  Look for the distinctive shape of the green slant-faced grasshopper, which is also known as the long-headed grasshopper. As its name suggests, this insect has a elongated, cone-shaped head, with short and flat antennae sticking out, as well as long, spindly hind legs. This type of grasshopper tends to grow to around 3 inches in length and can be either green or brown. They are widely found across Florida and like low grasses, such as household lawns.

• 3

  Listen out for a distinctive in-flight buzzing or cackling noise to identify the southern green-striped grasshopper. The grasshopper is usually found in patches of land where soil is either bare or disturbed. In addition to the noise this type of grasshopper makes while in flight, it can also be identified by the transparent nature of the bottom of its hind wing, though confusion can stem from the fact that they can either be brown or green and their size varies considerably according to sex.

• 4

  Identify the American bird grasshopper by its size, flight pattern and markings. This pest, which is commonly found across the country and is one of the most abundant in Florida, is a strong flier, often resembling a bird in the air. They can also resemble birds due to their size, with adults growing up to around 3 inches in length. In terms of markings, you should look out for a distinctive white dorsal stripe that runs from the head to the tip of the forewing and for the black speckles on the wing.