Grasshoppers & Crickets
Although most familiar in a grassland setting, grasshoppers and crickets can be found in a wide range of habitats across the UK, from heaths to woodland. Bush crickets can be distinguished from grasshoppers by the far longer antennae, which can be spectacular in many species. In general the bush crickets are also larger than their less well endowed relatives. Smaller still are the three species of groundhopper, which have the top of the thorax extending back over the abdomen.
A common and widespread species across England and Wales. The all dark coloration with a black stripe through the eye is distinctive.
Grey Bush Cricket
A largely coastal species, commonly found in scrubby vegetation around much of southern England and Wales. Usually grey-ish brown in colouration.
As the name suggests this is a species of damp areas, being found mainly on lowland heaths and clearings in wet woodlands. May be green or brown, but always bright green underneath.
Easily recognised by the pale crescent around the edge of the thorax. Now common and widespread across the south of England in grassy areas.
Perhaps the commonest bush-cricket across the centre and south of England, being found in gardens, scrub, woodland and grassland. Covered in hundreds of tiny black dots, giving it a speckled appearance.
Another common species, but not easy to see as it usually stays hidden in the foliage of oak trees. Often attracted to light, as is the similar looking southern oak bush cricket
Formerly a scarce species, now widespread in south, usually short-winged
Another species which has spread in recent years, and now fairly common and widespread in the south of the UK. As the name suggests, usually a long-winged species.
A common species in dry habitats such as heaths and coastal dunes. Highly variable in appearance but antennae always clubbed in males and thickened at the tip in females.
This large species is common and widespread throughout the UK in a variety of grassy habitats. Variable in colouration but always shows indented sides to the pronotum and an obviously hairy chest.
Another common and widespread species, with a preference for long grass in damp areas. Always at least partially green with gently incurved edges to the pronotum.
Common and widespread species, which, despite the name, is not confined to damp areas. Females have a white stripe on the leading edge of their wing
Common and widespread, females with very short wings, male wings longer, but still flightless
Common Groundhopper
The groundhoppers are an under-recorded group of three species which resemble tiny, armour-plated, grasshoppers. The common groundhopper is the easiest to identify, having an abdomen which does not protrude beyond the 'knees' of the hind legs.
Slender Groundhopper
The other common and widespread groundhopper species in the UK, and easily distinguished from the common groundhopper by its long abdomen which protrudes a long way past the 'knees' of the hind legs. The rare Cepero's groundhopper is very similar, and requires close inspection to separate.