SCIENTIFIC NAME: CHORTHIPPUS ALBOMARGINATUS
VERNACULAR NAME: LESSER MARSH GRASSHOPPER

Fig 1
DESCRIPTION Length between 16 and 22mm.  The main distinguishing feature of this insect are the side keels of the pronotum which are virtually parallel.  Females a generally bigger and have a pale stripe on the edge of the forewing along with a slight bulge.  Both sexes are a pale-brownish green.
BEHAVIOUR Easily disturbed from tussocks of grass.  The song is a 1 second rattle that fizzes somewhat although a serious of assorted chirps can be used.
DISTRIBUTION Southern England but slowly spreading northwards.
HABITAT Damp meadows, riverbanks and fields particularly those prone to winter flooding.  Salt marshes, dunes and dry meadows are also favoured spots
PERIOD July to November.

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