Stethophyma grossum (Linnaeus, 1758)

Large Marsh Grasshopper

Taxonomy: 

  • OrthopteraCaeliferaAcridoideaAcrididaeOedipodinaeStethophyma grossum

Status: 

UK

Distribution

Recordings

  • Calling song. Three verses of typical clicks, interval between verses shortened.

Colours show the year of the last record -

  up to 1987   1988-97   1998 up to present

Only Recording Scheme datasets are included. Other datasets on the Gateway may hold additional information.

Open the NBN Atlas interactive map in a new window.

Description: 

Largest native grasshopper, yellowish green to olive brown in colour with bright red undersides of the hind leg thighs. A plum coloured form is sometimes observed in females. Females are larger than males.

Size: 

21-36 mm

Wings: 

Fully winged and flies well.

Stridulation: 

Characteristic popping stridulation made by kicking the wings with the hind legs. 1-3 clicks per second, in verses lasting 5-10 seconds.

Food: 

Herbivorous.

Habitat: 

Wetland species, usually in acid bogs and tussocky grass especially purple moor-grass and scrub. The eggs are laid in the base of grass tufts.

Phenology: 

Nymphs emerge in late spring. Adults appear from late July and survive until early November.