Common field grasshopper  (Chorthippus brunneus)

Common (1).

This is probably the most frequently seen grasshopper; it is fairly large and occurs in a very wide range of colours including green, brown and purple, usually with a variable amount of black, brown or grey mottling (3). The tough forewings, which protect the delicate membranous hind wings, are long, and in common with all Chorthippus species, have a bulge near their base. Most individuals have an orange tinge at the tip of the abdomen (3). This species can be identified by the low number of 'stridulatory' pegs on the legs used to produce the very characteristic song (4).

Common throughout Britain (1), and found throughout Europe including the Iberian Peninsula. It is more common in the north of its range (4).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Occurs in a range of dry, grassy habitats (1). It is often common in dry parkland, roadsides and waste ground (3).

This grasshopper is a strong flier, and is active in warm weather (3); on warm days it can frequently be seen sunning itself on walls, bare ground and paths (1). The song consists of chirps lasting half a second long. Males often chirp at each other in turn; these 'rivalry' songs are very characteristic of the species (4) (5). During courtship they produce a 'ticking' sound when paired with a female (3). These sounds are produced by 'stridulation', in which the hindlegs are scraped against veins on the forewing (6).

During summer, females lay a large egg pod containing up to 15 eggs in dry ground just below the surface, or sometimes in anthills. The eggs, which are the overwintering stage (1), hatch in May and adults appear in June. Grasshoppers undergo a type of development known as 'incomplete metamorphosis' in which the larvae, known as 'nymphs', resemble wingless adults, and progress through a series of moults before reaching maturity (6). Adult common field grasshoppers are better able to survive cold weather than many other species of grasshopper, and they can occasionally survive until December (3).

This species is not threatened.

Not relevant.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

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