Grasshopper
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Grasshoppers are plant-eating insects with long hind legs. They are related to crickets. Grasshoppers can be up to 50 mm (2 in) long, and are easily seen during the day. Of the many species of grasshoppers in Alberta, only three are pests in farmlands and gardens. Grasshoppers are related to locusts. Depending on weather conditions, there is always the possibility of a grasshopper plague in Alberta. However, a grasshopper plague would not cause as much damage as some of the locust plagues that occur in other parts of the world. Grasshoppers can be found in most places where there is warmth and food plants. Eggs are laid in the ground in late fall. These remain in the ground throughout winter. The young emerge in summer. Grasshoppers are often used as fish bait.
