Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers in the UK: The UK is home to several grasshopper species, and they belong to the suborder Caelifera, which includes short-horned grasshoppers and locusts. Some of the common grasshopper species found in the UK include:
Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus): A small grasshopper species with a body length of around 12-18 mm. It is usually green or brown, but coloration can vary based on their environment.
Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus): Another small grasshopper species with a body length of about 10-15 mm. It is typically green or brown, but again, individuals may show color variations.
Mottled Grasshopper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus): This grasshopper species is slightly larger, with a body length of 15-22 mm. It has a mottled appearance with various shades of brown and green.
Roesel's Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii): While technically not a grasshopper but a bush cricket, it is worth mentioning. This species has long antennae and is green or brown with distinctive markings.
Pink Grasshoppers: Pink grasshoppers are rare and striking variants of the common green grasshopper. Their pink coloration is a result of a genetic mutation called erythrism, which causes an overproduction of red pigments. These pink grasshoppers can vary in shades, ranging from pale pink to bright magenta. Despite their eye-catching appearance, they can still be challenging to spot in natural habitats due to their small size and natural blending with their surroundings.
