Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few days ago I found 16 baby grasshoppers (I think)in Houston, TX. They are jet glossy black with fire red crosshair pattern markings on their backs. They have more red markings on the sides of their bodies and faces as well. I believe they had just hatched and climbed out of holes in the ground. They were sitting on a curb and as I gathered them up they seemed to not be frightened in any way. Any thoughts on what they may be?

Possible choices I found were Painted Grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor) and Rainbow Grasshopper (Dactylotum variegatum). I'm thinking Rainbow while variable in color at times is probably what you saw. Sample photo here:

http://www.sasionline.org/joewarfl/pages/dv.html

Thanks for your response. However, before posting lastnight I actually looked at photos of both grasshoppers you mentioned. I need to get a photo of these little guys. They are SOLID shiny jet black. Just like a black jellybean. They have a bright sharp red line going from the tip of their head to end of their body. The red is like fire engine red. They have no brown on them whatsoever. They look completely synthetic. They are amazing. I will bring my digital camera home tomorrow and post a picture. I have e-mailed several departments of entomology at different universities and I have gotten no response so far. Is anyone familiar with any giant grasshopper species in the southern states?

Romalea microptera and Taenopodia start out that color as nymphs but change to very different coloration upon molting to adult.

Check out the bottom right photo on this page.http://www.angelfire.com/oh2/USInsects/RearingRmicroptera.html
Rearing Romalea microptera

I am certain this must be the grasshoppers we have and I appreciate your help! I wish they would stay black, they are so cool.

Thanks for your help!

Hi, It seems that no one here understands what you are talking about, except me. I have no knowledge of entomology or anything even remotely close, but I do know the little 'hopper buddies' (what we affectionately call them) you speak of. I live in Athens Georgia and I had NEVER seen theses grasshoppers in my entire life. Mind you, I grew up in the country and have seen all sorts of animal, insect, etc. As soon as summer started this year my best friend has gotten a yard full of these fun little guys. They seem to love monkey grass and tall grassy bushes. They look just like grasshoppers except they are more black than jet black. They are the blackest black can get with a thin red (sometimes yellow) down what would be persons spine. The bigger guys have the yellow, so obviously it changes or the opposite sex has the other color. Please let us know if you find out about these guys. ~ mike and jess

I am in Northeast Alabama and my flower gardens seem to be covered with these BLACK grasshoppers with red on their backs. They range in size from about one half inch to about three inches. I have to find out the name of these pests! I need help! Thanks!