Northern Spur-throat Grasshopper (Melanoplus borealis) © Mathew L. Brust (iNaturalist)
The Northern Spur-throat Grasshopper ranges widely in northern North America. It inhabits both lowland and mountain sites, living in a variety of habitats that range from arctic tundra, wet bogs, and swamps to moist mountain meadows (Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin).
It feeds on herbaceous flowing plants as well as grasses. At times it will also feed on arthropods, including dead or dying grasshoppers.
Also called Northern Locust.
Conservation Status
Vermont:
Global: G5
Phenology
In New England the Northern Spur-throat Grasshopper makes its appearance early in the season, reaching maturity in late June or early July, and in the White Mountain region is still not uncommon in early September (Morse, 1920).
In meadows of the Big Horn mountains, adults may appear as early as the first week of July or as late as the first week of August. They usually remain in the habitat in which they developed as nymphs and some survive into mid September. (Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin)
More Information
- iNaturalist Species Account
- BugGuide Species Account
- Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin
- Vermont Atlas of Life Data Explorer
Vermont Distribution
- Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist – Not recorded
All Records:
