Grasshopper nymph

peterbolson · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 05:36 PM

I believe these are very difficult to ID but I wondered if anyone could have a go at this one please. It was found on a peat moss.

Wild-Woman · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 06:57 PM

I think this is a Meadow Grasshopper nymph.

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 06:59 PM

Looks like a Common green grasshopper nymph to me. Keel quite distinctive.

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:51 PM

I would be grateful for a definitive answer on these as I have been struggling to ID similar specimens for the past month; although mine are browner on top.

Because of the green colour on the sides I have been labelling them as possible Meadows but agree that the keels look a bit too curved.

I've narrowed mine down to a possible 4 species but, like Peter, I'm still confused.

My book says look for a short keel on top of the head to identify Commons, but I'm not really sure what this means in reality or if it is visible in nymphs.

Tormentil · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

I think this is a Meadow Grasshopper nymph.

I'd say it's a female nymph too ?

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:59 PM

The best advice I can give with regards to colour is ignore it. In final instar nymphs like this one the keel on the side of the thorax (pronotum) is usually quite clear. They are just quite hard to describe as meadow and green are similar in shape. If you compare images/specimens you can see the difference though. In adults of the two species its easy.

peterbolson · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 07:50 AM

So is this a Meadow or Common Green ? Or is it is impossible to say ?

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 06:56 PM

After taking on board Dogghound's advice and looking at a number of adults on the web site. I would say that your specimen has a definite curve in the keels on the thorax which would make it a Common Green Grasshopper. And I am 70% positive!

There appears to be a bit of variation in the degree of keel curve even amongst adults, which also vary considerably in colouration.

If it is any help, I am going to label my images as Common Green Grasshopper nymph poss.