What are some grasshopper facts?

Grasshoppers are brown with darker markings. They are found widely throughout the United States. They are herbivores in general, feeding on various plants, though some strictly prefer different grasses.

When grasshoppers are very young, they do not have wings. In later stages of development, wings appear at the end of the thorax. Common predators of grasshoppers include birds, lizards, spiders and rodents. Grasshoppers have a positive impact on the ecosystem as their droppings serve as fertilizer for plants; however, grasshoppers also have a negative effect on the ecosystem when there are large infestations and, consequently, serious crop damage and loss of plant life ensue.