Hainault Forest
GRASSHOPPER
Common Toad
Bufo bufo
TQ4792 09/07/2019 ©Raymond Small

Meadow Grasshopper

Pseudochorthippus parallelus


The Meadow Grasshopper, measuring 10 to 23 mm in length, is typically found in tall grass. Its body can be green or, in some instances, entirely brown, accompanied by brown wings. Some adult females have pinkish-purple colouration. The side-keels on the pronotum, which is the plate-like section of an insect's thorax directly behind its head, are only slightly incurved. This species generally has black  'knees' on its hind legs. Males possess long wings, whereas females tend to have short wings. Eggs are deposited in the soil, with nymphs hatching in April and adults emerging by June. Their song is a fast irregular buzz, repeated at varying intervals.