Eastern lubber grasshopper

The Eastern lubber grasshopper (Romalea microptera) is a member of the Romaleidae family, known for its distinctive appearance and large body size. These flightless insects are common in the southeastern United States. Their coloration acts as a warning signal, as they are toxic when ingested by many predators, which contributes to their high survival rate in the wild.

This species is a generalist feeder with an appetite that covers a broad array of host plants. They are frequently found on citrus trees, ornamental shrubs, and various vegetables including beans and tomatoes. Because they are gregarious in their early stages, their feeding activity can quickly devastate landscape plantings and small-scale vegetable gardens if left unchecked.

The life cycle of the lubber grasshopper consists of a single annual generation. Eggs are laid in the soil in late summer and overwinter until the following spring. Nymphs emerge in early spring, often in large groups, and go through five distinct growth stages, or instars, before reaching adulthood. By late summer, the population is at its peak, often causing the most visible damage.

Damage caused by Romalea microptera is primarily defoliation. A massive population can strip a plant bare, leaving only the woody stems behind. Their sheer size allows them to consume significant amounts of vegetation quickly. Furthermore, their defensive secretion, combined with their habit of congregating, makes them a significant nuisance for gardeners and agricultural producers alike.

Management strategies focus on early intervention. For small areas, hand-picking and destroying the grasshoppers during the early morning hours is quite effective. For larger infestations, keeping the soil disturbed through cultivation helps destroy egg pods, reducing the population for the next season. Chemical control with registered insecticides can be applied if necessary, targeting younger nymphs for the highest efficacy.