The Red-legged Grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) is found throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. It inhabits grasslands, meadows, fields and roadsides.
Although it feeds almost exclusively on grasses and grains, it will also eat non-grasses such as legumes (clovers and vetches) and composites (dandelions and chicory).
Populations of the Red-legged Grasshoppers fluctuate with annual changes in weather. During periods of drought, they are capable of flying great distances to better feeding areas. Populations drop off when normal rainfall and cooler temperatures return.
While this type of activity may sound vaguely similar to "swarms of locusts", swarming locusts are actually a different type of grasshopper.
