Invertebrates
Meadow Grasshopper
Pseudochorthippus parallelus
In a hay meadow in August, a meadow grasshopper clings to a grass stem, its short wings folded tight as it begins to rasp out a short burst of song.
Overview
The meadow grasshopper, Pseudochorthippus parallelus, is a Not Evaluated grasshopper of meadows, roadsides, and rough grassland across Europe and parts of Asia. Its short wings, leg-rasping song, and abundance make it one of the most familiar grasshoppers of European summers.
A grasshopper that rarely flies
With wings too short for flight, the meadow grasshopper depends on its powerful hind legs to leap away from danger, and it rarely travels far.
Status
Not Evaluated globally, though widespread and abundant.
Meadow Grasshopper: common questions
Can the meadow grasshopper fly?
Most individuals have wings too short for flight, so they rely on jumping to escape.
How does the male sing?
He rubs a row of pegs on his hind legs against the edge of his wing, producing short bursts of song.
How does it survive the winter?
Females lay their eggs in pods in the soil, which overwinter and hatch the following spring.
Where is the meadow grasshopper found?
It lives in meadows, roadsides, and rough grassland across Europe and parts of Asia.