Lesser Marsh Grasshopper - Chorthippus albomarginatus

Length 13-23 mm. Similar in appearance to the Meadow Grasshopper; straw brown or light green-coloured but less brightly coloured. The side keels of the pronotum are almost parallel. The wings have expanded radial cells in the wing which also have a distinct costal bulge. It has white border to the wings which varies in intensity. It has functional wings and flies readily in hot weather.

Easily confused with the Meadow Grasshopper.

• almost parallel side keels on the pronotum
• (usually) a white line along the wing (in mature specimens)
• a costal bulge on the wings
• lack of 'black knees'
• straight antennae

ID Guide to Common Grasshoppers

This grasshopper cab be found in damp grasland areas, particularly where it floods in winter, but also occurs in drier conditions, on roadside verges, waste ground, etc.

Mid season species with nymphs hatching in May. Adults appear from early to mid July and remain abundant through to October.

Feeds mainly on grasses.

Quite a common species but most records come from south-eastern England and the Midlands.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Very common after recent colonisation; first recorded in Rutland in1997. Now the dominant species in some sites; occurs in improved grassland in addition to old meadows.