As a general rule:
Adult grasshoppers have narrow forewings and fan-like hindwings. They rest with the forewings folded down and covering the hindwings.
Nymphal grasshoppers rest with the narrow forewings covered by the upturned fan-like hindwings.
Nymphs are not as sclerotized as adults and are often quite soft-bodied. Nymphs generally have disproportionately large heads and hindlegs. Early instar nymphs are wingless or possess small wing buds only. Nymphs of short-winged species still have the narrow forewings covered by the hindwings..
When using the key to identify nymphs, the key will work to the family, and usually, subfamily level. Ensifera nymphs in their later instars resemble adults except for their lack of highly distinctive reproductive structures. Within the Caelifera, nymphs of Melanoplinae usually have distinctive color patterns and must be learned separately from their adults. Gomphocerine nymphs are, for identification purposes, very similar to their adults both in terms of structure and coloration with the proviso that distinctive adult display colors are absent, i.e. blue tibiae, red inner face of the hind femur, etc.. Oedipodinae nymphs vary both structurally and often in color pattern from their adults. However, certain genera possess the adult femoral or tibial display colors as nymphs.
The most direct method is to look for an ovipositor– egg laying structure of females. A hopper with an ovipositor will have one of three basic shapes to the abdomen. 1) Abdomen pointed. 2) Abdomen with a flattened blade-like projection which may be curved upwards. 3) Abdomen with a long projecting rod. The first is found in the short-horned grasshoppers or Caelifera. The second and third types are found in the long-horned grasshoppers or Ensifera.
Last updated: 01/05/07
Gerald M. Fauske
Research Specialist
NDSU
202 Hultz Hall
Fargo, ND 58105
E-Mail: Gerald.Fauske@ndsu.nodak.edu
Published by the Department of Entomology
Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling 1-800-488-NDSU.