western lubber grasshopper

insect

Also known as: Brachystola magna, buffalo grasshopper

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The western lubber grasshopper (Brachystola magna) is a very large, stout, and clumsy North American grasshopper found in the southwestern U.S. and adjacent Mexico. It is a member of the short-horned grasshopper family (Acrididae), which is the largest group of grasshoppers, encompassing over 10,000 species. These insects are characterized by short antennae, a four-valved ovipositor, and hind legs adapted for jumping. While many grasshoppers are green or straw-colored for camouflage, the western lubber grasshopper has smaller, pinkish wings. Short-horned grasshoppers are herbivorous, and some species are significant agricultural pests.12

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short-horned grasshopper
Major genera and species
The western lubber grasshopper (Brachystola magna), also called the buffalo grasshopper because of its size, has much smaller, pinkish wings. The slender grasshopper (Leptysma marginicollis), found in the southern United States, has clear wings. Melanoplus, the largest short-horned grasshopper genus, contains many of the most common…
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The western lubber grasshopper (Brachystola magna), also called the buffalo grasshopper because of its size, has much smaller, pinkish wings. The slender grasshopper (Leptysma marginicollis), found in the southern United States, has clear wings. Melanoplus, the largest short-horned grasshopper genus, contains many of the most common…
Read More