Meadow Grasshopper

The Meadow Grasshopper is one of the most common grasshoppers in Britain. It can be easily recognised by its relatively short wings, which usually do not go beyond the end of its body. Adult grasshoppers are usually between 13 and 18 millimetres long, with females being noticeably bigger than males. Their colour can range from green to brown or purple, often with pale stripes along the sides. Unlike many other grasshoppers, this species makes a short, quiet sound that lasts only a few seconds. This sound is often described as a soft churring noise. The Meadow Grasshopper can be found all over the British Isles, except in northern Scotland. It lives in meadows, grasslands, the edges of roads, and garden lawns from July to October. It prefers areas where the grass is longer and does not do well in places where the grass is cut very short. Because its wings are small, it cannot fly. Instead, it moves by jumping powerfully through thick grass.