Plant Health Initiative

Grasshopper - Distribution

Geographic distribution of the differential grasshopper Source: Wyoming Ag Exp Sta Bull 912

The differential grasshopper has a wide host range throughout North America, particularly in areas of cropland between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. Populations east and west of these landmarks are more spotty and discontinuous.

The red-legged, migratory, and two-striped grasshopper are very widely distributed, ranging over most of North America.

Different species of grasshopper develop at different rates. In Minnesota, the earliest species (the two-striped grasshopper) begins to hatch in late April to early May with other species beginning to hatch out at approximately 3-4 week intervals (Figure 1). This means that young grasshoppers of different species are going to be present throughout most of the summer.

Source: Minnesota Grasshopper Management