The egg stage overwinters. Spring appearance Eggs hatch between early May and mid July, depending upon temperature and moisture conditions. Nymphs, which are green or fawn colored, molt through five nymphal instars before becoming adult in three to seven weeks. In cooler seasons, development is slowed and nymphs persist into the fall. There is one generation per year.
Natural enemies See clear-winged grasshopper.
Packard's grasshopper occurs in the four western provinces. It is the second most important species of grasshopper in Alberta, and the third most important in Saskatchewan where it has comprised 12 per cent of the total grasshopper population. It tends to be associated with the migratory grasshopper, M. sanguinipes, and tends to occur especially in stubble fields and in light soil areas. Packard's grasshopper has caused considerable damage to fall rye and winter wheat. Management Strategy See clear-winged grasshopper.