Common Green Grasshopper
Omocestus viridulus
Omocestus viridulus, known in the British Isles as the common green grasshopper, is a Palearctic species of grasshopper in the subfamily Gomphocerinae.
43
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omocestus_viridulus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Orthoptera
Family
Acrididae
Genus
Omocestus
Common Green Grasshopper belongs to the family Acrididae, order Orthoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Omocestus viridulus, known in the British Isles as the common green grasshopper, is a Palearctic species of grasshopper in the subfamily Gomphocerinae.
The Common Green Grasshopper faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development, which fragments and degrades the grassland ecosystems it depends upon. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect grass growth cycles and reproductive timing. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but declining populations reflect the cumulative impact of these anthropogenic pressures.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits natural and semi-natural grasslands, meadows, heathlands, and moorlands, typically in areas with medium to tall grass vegetation. Shows preference for damp grasslands and can be found from sea level to montane elevations up to 2000m.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and conversion of grasslands
Urban development and habitat fragmentation
Climate change affecting temperature and precipitation patterns
Overgrazing and inappropriate grassland management
Pesticide use in agricultural areas
Found in 43 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/common-green-grasshopper