Life Trockenrasen: Heath Grashopper

The heath grasshopper’s range stretches from Europe to Asia. In Germany, it is primarily found in the southwest, while in Brandenburg it is very rare. Gomphocerinae belong to the Acrididae family, which make up a significant portion of the Orthoptera with around 6,700 species.

Habitat

The heath grasshopper can be found in dry habitats with sandy areas. Being a species that thrives in the warmth, it predominantly inhabits open spaces with sparse vegetation, characterized by high sun exposure and minimal cooling at night. Steppes, dry grasslands, sand dunes, and clearings are the ideal habitats for this grasshopper.

Characteristics

As with many insects, the females of the heath grasshopper are larger than the males, measuring 16 to 22 millimetres, compared to the males' 12 to 15 millimetres. The heath grasshopper has a grey-brown base colour. Its torso, the underside of its thighs, and its abdomen display a greenish-yellow hue. While it can be difficult to distinguish the heath grasshopper from other Acrididae species, its unmistakable song sets it apart. Its rapid scratching sounds can be heard up to 20 meters away.

Behaviour

During mating season, males become increasingly active, searching for females hidden among the grasses by singing their distinctive calls. After a successful mating, females use their ovipositor to deposit clusters of two to ten eggs about 1.5 centimetres deep in the soil, thereby preferring sunlit, vegetation-free sandy spots. The eggs are well-protected due to their high resistance to dryness. The nymphs pass through four larval stages before becoming adults, which can be observed from July to October.

Endangerment

Unfortunately, sightings of this grasshopper species are becoming increasingly rare due to the loss of suitable habitats. The conservation of dry grasslands, therefore, directly benefits the heath grasshopper and helps sustain its populations.