Prickly Pear Cactus and Grasshopper

[Tom Robbins]

Identifying an insect can be difficult enough, but identifying a juvenile might be almost impossible. Anyone here have any idea what species this very young grasshopper perched on a prickly pear cactus in the upper Mississippi River area might be?

http://www.pbase.com/salty_one/image/80626236.jpg

[Sean DeMerchant]

Hi Tom,

You might try:

http://bugguide.net/node/view/15740

and ask for help there. For some species additional shots that have poor DoF may be of value in showing details about the creature that could help identify it.

hope this helps,

Sean

[Tom Robbins]

Hi Sean,

I bookmarked that sight quite a while ago, but forgot about it until you reminded me. It's very easy to use. Most of the ID photos of grasshoppers were of adults, but might still be able to connect the dots with a close enough look. I sure intend to give it a try.

Sibley needs to write a guide to insects!

Tom

[Sean DeMerchant]

I bookmarked that sight quite a while ago, but forgot about it until you reminded me. It's very easy to use. Most of the ID photos of grasshoppers were of adults, but might still be able to connect the dots with a close enough look. I sure intend to give it a try.

Hi Tom,

I would seriously suggest signing up and posting the images for ID on the site. I have done it before and will do it again. They do not have 100% coverage of expertise on all species, but they are helpful with the beautiful little ones.

enjoy,

Sean