Schistocerca rubiginosa, the Rusty bird grasshopper;
Volusia county, Florida (02 August 2015).
Ranging sporadically throughout the southeastern reaches of North America, the Rusty bird grasshopper, Schistocera rubiginosa, is a modest, small ‘hopper. This is, so far as I know, the only individual of this species I’ve photographed and identified (with help from the folks over at bugguide.net). This species apparently prefers open, prairie-like grass fields and sandy dune habitats along and near the coastline. I found this one bunkered down near a sandy access road adjacent to coastal dunes (which seems to fit the bill). A very lovely grasshopper. I’d love to find more of these!
Learn a wee bit more about the Rusty bird grasshopper.