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Types of Arizona Grasshoppers

Many different types of grasshopper, both large and small, are native to Arizona. Grasshoppers have round heads with compound eyes, teeth and antennae. Their midsections have hard shells with wings attached to them. Some grasshoppers use their wings for flying short distances, while others can't fly at all. Grasshoppers also have long legs that allow them to jump more than 20 times their body length.

Lakin Grasshopper
- Lakin grasshoppers are found all over Arizona as well as much of the midwestern United States. These grasshoppers live in grasslands and regions with desert shrubs. Lakins don't normally cause much damage, but if they become overpopulated, they can become pests to a variety of plants, such as alfalfa, wheat, vegetables and flowers. These grasshoppers are medium-sized and are usually brown with yellow markings.
Bird Grasshopper
- The bird grasshopper is one of the largest grasshoppers that lives in Arizona's Sonoran Desert. They can grow up to about 2 1/2 inches long. These grasshoppers can be either gray or green and their coloring helps them hide in plants from predators. Bird grasshoppers live in one host plant for long periods of time and then move to another plant to get necessary nutrients.
Creosote Bush Grasshopper
- Creosote bush grasshoppers live in creosote bushes in the Arizona desert. They are known for the clicking sound they make. Male creosote bush grasshoppers often live in the same bush for their whole lives and make clicking sounds both to warn away other males and to attract females. These grasshoppers are unique because they eat only creosote bushes. Most grasshoppers eat a variety of plants. Creosote bush grasshoppers are olive green with pearly spots that mimic the leaves of the creosote bush.

Insects & Science