Common green grasshopper Omocestus viridulus

Best time to see: Jul to mid Oct

Key facts

A grasshopper that is widespread on coarse grasslands and heaths

Grasshoppers, unlike bush-crickets, have short antennae and are diurnal and vegetarian

Powerful hind legs allow it to leap to safety when threatened

Recognition

Predominantly green or dull olive-brown; 25mm long

Wings reach to the end of its body

Song is a continuous trill, followed by a series of clicks when courting or mating

Lifecycle

Eggs are laid at the base of grass blades in summer and hatch the following spring

Pupate and emerge as adults from late June onwards