Food
Many species of grasshoppers are general herbivores feeding on a variety of plants. Some species only like grasses.

Habitat
Widespread in U.S.

Predators
Birds, lizards,mantids, spiders, and rodents eat grasshoppers.

Interesting Behaviors
Feeding: Although they eat many things, they still have preferences. Mating behavior: See how male courts female. Egg-laying: Female digs hole with abdomen. Some grasshoppers spit a brown bitter liquid as a defensive behavior in response to being handled. Use a piece of white paper and gently wipe the grasshopper's mouth if the spit is not evident. Before molting, grasshoppers do not eat and become less active. During the molt, they swallow air to build up pressure to split the old cuticle.