Nature Walk: Carolina Grasshopper

If you’ve spent time in nature, it’s likely that you’ve seen a Carolina Grasshopper in flight. These critters are a large (nearly two inches in length), abundant summer resident across the United States, and are often seen when they take flight near a roadside or in a bare field. Their black wings with a light colored outer band are a diagnostic trait, and their short, erratic flights usually take place when they are disturbed. But you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled – superb camouflage can make them very difficult to detect when they are motionless.

Even though summertime is quickly disappearing, it’s not uncommon to see these grasshoppers hiding along trails and in fields across the state.

If you are interested in purchasing a print or requesting information on possible use for any of these photographs, please contact Carl at cpkurtz@netins.net.