374 



Kansas State Board of Agriculture. 



GRASSHOPPERS. 



(AcrididsB.) 



While there are many species of grasshoppers in Kansas, only three 

 species the differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis Thos.), 

 the two-striped grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus Say.), and the lesser 

 migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus atlanis Riley) appear in sufficient 

 numbers to do serious harm to alfalfa. 



Description. 



The differential grasshopper has a large, yellow, robust body, about 

 one and one-half inches long, which is marked by black lines on the sides. 

 (Fig. 319.) A row of black V's is on the outside of the hind thighs, 



FIG. 319. Differential grasshopper 

 (Melanoplus differentialis). Adult fe- 

 male; % natural size. (Original.) 



FIG. 320. Two-striped grasshopper 

 (Melanoplus bivittatus). Adult female; 

 % natural size. (Original.) 



FIG. 321. Lesser migratory grass- 

 hopper (Melanoplus atlanis). Adult 

 female; natural size. (Original.) 



with a row of black dots just below. This species, which is the most 

 common in alfalfa, is present on both lowland and upland in all parts 

 of the state. 



The two-striped grasshopper has a brownish-yellow body about one 

 and one-half inches in length, with a distinct yellow stripe extending on 

 each side from the upper part of the eye to the end of the wing. (Fig. 

 320.) This species is also found in all parts of the state associated with 

 the differential grasshopper, but usually is present in lesser numbers. 



The lesser migratory grasshopper is the smallest of the species in- 

 juring alfalfa. It has a slender body about one inch in length and varies 

 in color from yellow to dark brown. The narrow front wings have 

 longitudinal V-shaped areas extending through the middle, in which are 

 found a number of squarish black spots. (Fig. 321.) 



Habits and Life History. 



The female grasshoppers begin to deposit their eggs about the first of 

 September and continue until cold weather. They prefer a moderate 

 compact, rather damp, but not wet, soil which is rarely disturbed by the 



