Field Grasshopper

DESCRIPTION: Length between 18 and 25mm. A very variable insect ranging from from brown, green, purple and grey colours with various coloured mottling. The pronotum is sharply pinched and has two creamy white lines on either side on a blackish background. Most adults have an orange tinge towards the end of the abdomen. This abdomen is usually barred vertically. The tough forewings are long and have a bulge near their base and a distinct whitish patch about 2 thirds along. BEHAVIOUR: The song is a series of 'chirps' that last about half a second each. Males 'chirp' to each other in turn. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout. HABITAT: Dry parkland, roadsides, wasteland, open woodland and open grassy areas. PERIOD: June to September.