Camnula pellucida

Clear-winged Grasshopper

Family: Acrididae · Class: Insecta · Order: Orthoptera

The clear-winged grasshopper is a medium-sized orthopteran in the family Acrididae, characterized by its relatively transparent wing membranes that give the species its common name. Adults typically measure 15-25 mm in body length, with males generally smaller than females. The body coloration ranges from light brown to grayish-brown, providing effective camouflage in grassland habitats. Camnula pellucida has a broad distribution across North America, ranging from southern Canada through much of the western United States, including California. The species occurs in various grassland ecosystems, from prairie habitats to mountain meadows and agricultural areas. In California, populations are found in both native grasslands and managed landscapes. This grasshopper inhabits open grasslands, prairies, pastures, and agricultural fields, typically preferring areas with mixed grasses and forbs. The species shows adaptability to both native and introduced plant communities, thriving in moderately grazed areas and hay fields. Clear-winged grasshoppers are found from sea level to moderate elevations, though specific elevation ranges in California are not well documented. Clear-winged grasshoppers are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various grasses and broadleaf plants. Adults are most active during summer months, with peak abundance typically occurring from July through September. Mating occurs in late summer, with females depositing eggs in soil during fall. Eggs overwinter and hatch the following spring, with nymphs developing through five instars before reaching maturity. The species completes one generation per year in most locations. Population dynamics of C. pellucida can be highly variable, with some years experiencing significant population increases that may impact agricultural areas. According to federal documents, economic thresholds for grasshopper control have been established at 14 to 24 individuals per square yard in some managed areas (USFWS 2010). At Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the species has occasionally reached levels requiring population management, though pesticide applications are now limited to situations exceeding economic thresholds. Recent population increases of various orthopteran species, including clear-winged grasshoppers, have been documented in Canada, creating unexpected challenges for aviation safety as these insects attract large flocks of birds to airports (Xerces Society 2008). The clear-winged grasshopper is not federally or state listed as threatened or endangered. As a widespread and adaptable species, it faces no immediate conservation concerns, though habitat loss and pesticide applications in agricultural areas may affect local populations. The species plays important ecological roles as both herbivore and prey species in grassland food webs.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.