In later stages, wings are visible as small pads at end of thorax. Food Many species of grasshoppers are general herbivores feeding on a variety of plants. Some species only like grasses. Habitat Widespread in U.S. Predators Birds, lizards,mantids, spiders, and rodents eat grasshoppers. Female digs hole with abdomen.
Some grasshoppers spit a brown bitter liquid as a defensive behavior in response to being handled.
Use a piece of white paper and gently wipe the grasshopper's mouth if the spit is not evident. Before molting, grasshoppers do not eat and become less active. During the molt, they swallow air to build up pressure to split the old cuticle. Impact on the Ecosystem Positive As herbivores, grasshoppers link plants to the rest of the ecosystem. They provide food for birds and other arthropods.