Common green grasshopper

The common green grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus) is a member of the Acrididae family within the order Orthoptera. This species is widely distributed across Europe and parts of Asia, primarily inhabiting grasslands, meadows, and pastures. Its ability to adapt to varying moisture levels makes it a frequent inhabitant of agricultural landscapes.

This pest mainly damages perennial and annual grasses, pasture vegetation, and cereal crops like wheat and barley. While they are a natural component of grassland ecosystems, their populations can reach damaging levels, leading to significant consumption of valuable forage plants and crop foliage.

The biological cycle consists of egg, nymph, and adult stages. They overwinter as eggs deposited in the soil in clusters called egg pods. After spring warming, the nymphs hatch and undergo five developmental stages (instars) before reaching adulthood. The nymphs are highly active and begin feeding on plant material shortly after emergence.

The damage is characterized by ragged feeding on leaf margins and stems, which can weaken plants and reduce biomass yield. During years of drought, the pressure on cultivated crops increases as natural vegetation becomes scarce. Large swarms or dense populations can cause severe economic losses by defoliating entire fields of grass or cereal crops.

Control strategies emphasize preventative agricultural techniques, such as autumn tillage, which disrupts the soil where egg pods are located. Regular field scouting is essential to detect early infestations. If populations exceed economic thresholds, the application of targeted insecticides is recommended to mitigate further damage to crops.