Common Green Grasshopper

Fast Facts

Latin name: Omocestus viridulus

Notable feature: The side-keels of the pronotum (top of the thorax) are gently incurved. Different colour forms of this species can be found across the UK, but all have the incurved pronotum side-keels.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Where in the UK: Records from across the UK except the very far north of Scotland. Native.

Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) © Jaybee (www.phocus-on.co.uk)

The Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) is usually green or green and brown in colour. There is never any red or orange on the abdomen. Females are always green dorsally (along the top of them) though green, brown, or purple colours can be seen elsewhere on an individual. The side-keels on the top of the pronotum are gently incurved and the palps on their face may be pale in colour but are never chalk white.

Both males and females of this species have wings – in females the wings do not usually exceed the length of the body; in males the wings often protrude beyond the abdomen.


  • Size: Body length- 14-23mm (1.4cm-2.3cm)
  • Lifespan: Larvae and adults are around for a few months.
  • Diet: Herbivorous species that feeds on a range of plants.
  • Reproduction: Nymphs (the young) can be found from late April or May. Adults appear from July and have been recorded into November.
  • When to see: Found in a range of habitats, look for them in tall grasslands, as well as damp meadows, heathlands and woodland rides. Nymphs are found from late April. Adults of this species have been seen from July to sometimes as late as November.
  • Population Trend: Stable
  • Threats: None known.
  • Fun Fact: Stridulation in this species is rapid and prolonged- the clicking starts quietly and rapidly increases in volume and is sustained for 10 to 20 seconds or longer.

How you can help:

Join a recording scheme and log your finds – send any records/sightings to the Grasshopper and related insect recording scheme for Britain and Ireland or download the iRecord Grasshoppers app and get recording!


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