Lesser Marsh Grasshopper
Chorthippus albomarginatus
The Lesser Marsh Grasshopper is a widespread short-horned grasshopper from the Acrididae family. It features a slender body and is typically colored green, yellowish, or brown. The species is named after the pale longitudinal stripe on the leading edge of the forewings, which is particularly prominent in females. It prefers grassland ecosystems such as damp meadows, dikes, and salt marshes.
Details
Identification
Nearly parallel pronotal side keels, whitish longitudinal stripe in the costal field of the forewings (especially in females), hind knees not darkly colored.
Social behavior
Solitary; males exhibit distinct territorial behavior and attract females through a characteristic buzzing song.
Diet
Herbivorous; feeds primarily on various true grasses (Poaceae) such as Lolium, Holcus, or Agrostis.
Spawning substrate
Eggs are deposited into the soil or into the base of grass tussocks.
Overwintering
The species overwinters in the egg stage in the soil; nymphs hatch in the following spring.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary consumer in grasslands and a significant food source for insectivorous birds, spiders, and amphibians.
Natural predators
Birds (e.g., Meadow Pipit), orb-weaver spiders, ground beetles, robber flies, and small mammals.
Competitor species
Other grasshopper species of the genus Chorthippus, such as the Common Field Grasshopper.
Ecosystem service
Contributes to the nutrient cycle in meadow ecosystems through the consumption of biomass.
Threats
Habitat loss due to intensive agricultural use, early mowing dates, and the drainage of wet grasslands.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Pronotal side keels almost straight or only very slightly curved inwards. Females with a white marginal stripe on the tegmina. The medial field of the wings in males is not widened. The knees of the hind legs are usually dark-colored.
Habitat
Eurytopic, but centered in moist to mesophilic grasslands, coastal salt marshes, and inland salt sites. Also colonizes drier locations such as railway embankments, dikes, and roadsides.
Diet
Herbivorous; feeds primarily on various grasses (Poaceae), without strict specialization on individual species.
Role in food web
Primary consumer; important food source for insectivorous birds (e.g., Meadow Pipit), spiders, and predatory invertebrates.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Extreme agricultural intensification, complete drainage of wet meadows, too frequent mowing (more than 3 cuts), and large-scale pesticide use.
Population trend
Stable to increasing; the species is currently expanding northwards in Central Europe and along transport routes into the interior.
Conservation measures
Maintenance of extensively managed grassland, promotion of uncut grass strips, avoidance of widespread drainage, and adjustment of mowing dates.