This Grasshopper Prefers Trees

The species is usually found in eastern hardwood forests in the southeast and has only been reported twice in Kansas. "It's discovery on Konza is a big surprise," Hopkins said.

This particular species is large and slow-moving, unlike most grasshoppers which jump quickly to avoid predators. But it uses camouflage to hide itself. "Given its protective coloration - medium-gray speckled with dark dots, sometimes with yellowish and whitish areas - it disappears against lichen-covered tree bark."

The hoppers were discovered soaking up some sun on the wall of an old house near the site - another five were later found on tree trunks near the house. Hopkins believes the grasshoppers are only found in wooded areas near creeks and plans to continue searching these areas for more.

--Bjorn Carey

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Credit:  Konza Prairie LTER site