They are similar to adults in general appearance, but are smaller and have wing pads instead of wings. There are usually five or six nymphal stages and the length of time from egg to adult is 40 to 60 days. In general, only one generation of grasshoppers is produced per year. Biological Control Grasshoppers have many natural enemies that help suppress populations. A fungus, Entomophthora grylli often causes locally high mortality.
Infected grasshoppers strike a characteristic pose at the top of a plant or other object.
The grasshopper grasps the plant in a death embrace with front and middle legs while the hind legs are extended. It dies in this position. Fungal spores develop in and on the body of the infected grasshopper. These spores become airborne and infect other grasshoppers. Under warm, humid conditions, great numbers of grasshoppers have been destroyed by this fungus.