Chorthippus brunneus, Common Field Grasshopper

Common Name: Common Field Grasshopper

Chorthippus brunneus, more commonly known as the common field grasshopper, is found throughout the UK, commonly in mostly dry and often sparse grassland, but also in gardens, from the beginning of summer until October.

Measuring 15-25 mm in length, it is a brownish colour, but the colour varies; striped and mottled forms occur with parts of the body varying from buff through orange to purple. Very hairy below the thorax in both sexes. Diet is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses. Eggs are laid into the soil. Long season with nymphs hatching from late March. Adults appear from June and may survive until early December.

A gregarious species, males can be seen displaying to females by rubbing their legs against their wings to create a 'song' - in this case, it is brief, single chirrup, repeated at short intervals.

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