Unidentified Grasshopper, Possible Genus Melanoplus

Observation by Eric Alstrom:

We usually don't see any grasshoppers in our area.

Derek Sikes, Entomologist at the University of the North, writes:

Looks like a species of Melanoplus, can't tell them apart from photos like this.

They occur in Arctic Alaska but south of the Brooks - zoom in on Alaska on the map on this page.

Comments from LEO Editors:

There are many different species in the grasshopper genus Melanoplus and they can be found across North America and much of Eurasia. Pictured below are documented occurrences in Alaska, which Derek refers to in his comment above. Grasshoppers lay eggs that overwinter in soil or soft wood, and eggs will hatch in spring and early summer. Timing may differ based on early season temperatures. Most species of Melanoplus feed on a wide range of leafy plants, which in warm summers, may provide ample food source for grasshopper populations. Source: Bug Guide genus **Melanoplus* Species Profile. Erica Lujan