Eritettix simplex, the velvetstriped grasshopper, is most common in the shortgrass and mixedgrass prairie
of eastern Wyoming. It prefers areas with dense grass cover. This species overwinters
as nymphs that become adults in May. Adults are present from May to early July. Eggs
laid in June hatch in July or August, but it is uncertain if there is a one- or two-year
life cycle. It feeds on grasses and prefers grama grasses. Even when abundant, damage
to rangelands is minimal due to its early season occurrence.
Ref: Pfadt 1991, Otte 1981, and Capinera and Sechrist 1982.
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