Melanoplus is a large genus of North American grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. Taxonomic databases such as the Orthoptera Species File (OSF) and the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) record approximately 240 described species within the genus. Because the full enumeration exceeds the scope of a brief entry, the most commonly referenced or ecologically significant species are listed below. For a complete, up‑to‑date catalogue, consult the OSF or recent revisions in entomological literature.
| Scientific name | Common name (where applicable) | Geographic distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Melanoplus differentialis | Differential grasshopper | Eastern United States, central Canada |
| Melanoplus femurrubrens | Red‑legged grasshopper | Central United States, Great Plains |
| Melanoplus sanguinipes | Migratory grasshopper | Widespread across North America |
| Melanoplus packardii | Packard's grasshopper | Western United States |
| Melanoplus bivittatus | Two‑striped grasshopper | Northwestern United States |
| Melanoplus angustipennis | Narrow‑winged grasshopper | Rocky Mountain region |
| Melanoplus spretus | Spreading grasshopper | Southwest United States, Mexico |
| Melanoplus bohartus | Bohn’s grasshopper | Pacific Northwest |
| Melanoplus grasshoppers (group) | Various “spur‑throated” species | Throughout North America |
Key points
- The genus is characterized by a short, stout pronotum and a “spur” on the throat (hence “spur‑throated” grasshoppers).
- Species vary widely in size, coloration, and habitat preference, ranging from grassland specialists to those occupying arid and montane environments.
- Several Melanoplus species are agricultural pests; M. differentialis and M. sanguinipes are notable for causing episodic crop damage.
- Taxonomic work on the genus is ongoing; new species descriptions and synonymizations continue to refine the list.
References for a comprehensive list
- Orthoptera Species File (Version 5.0/5.0). http://orthoptera.speciesfile.org
- Otte, D. (1995). Grasshoppers [Acrididae] of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press.
- Capinera, J. L., Scott, R. D., & Walker, T. J. (2004). Field Guide to Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets of the United States. Cornell University Press.
These sources provide the most reliable, peer‑reviewed inventories of Melanoplus species and are regularly updated to reflect current taxonomic consensus.
