The meadow grasshopper, (Pseudochorthippus parallelus), is one of the UK’s most widespread grasshoppers and can be seen from April through to October. It thrives in damp, unimproved grasslands, meadows and pasture, where longer vegetation provides both food and shelter. Although commonly green, this species can also appear in shades of brown or even purplish tones, with a darker stripe running from its flank up towards the eye.

At first glance, meadow grasshoppers may look quite ordinary, but they do have an unusual feature. They are the UK’s only flightless grasshopper, lacking the hindwings needed to fly. Instead, they hop energetically through the grass using their powerful back legs. Adults reach around 1.7 to 2.3 centimetres in length, while younger nymphs emerge in spring and gradually grow through a series of moults before reaching adulthood in early summer.

Like many grasshoppers and crickets, meadow grasshoppers communicate through sound. Males create their distinctive song by rubbing their hind legs against their forewings, a process known as stridulation. Their call is often described as a steady ‘rrrr’ sound, repeated again and again through sunny afternoons as they attempt to attract females and establish territory. When many individuals are active together, the effect becomes part of the wild chorus of summer.

Grasshoppers play an important role in the food chain, providing prey for birds, mammals and reptiles, while also helping recycle plant material. However, they rely on healthy habitats to survive. Traditional management techniques such as careful grazing, sensitive hay cutting and scrub control all help maintain the varied vegetation structure these insects need.