Large Marsh Grasshopper
Taxonomy
Orthoptera » Caelifera » Acridoidea » Acrididae » Oedipodinae » Stethophyma grossum
Status
UK
Distribution Map
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.
Recordings
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.