lesser field grasshopper
VU

lesser field grasshopper

Chorthippus mollis

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorthippus_mollis

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The lesser field grasshopper faces severe population declines primarily due to the intensification of agricultural practices and loss of traditional hay meadows across its European range. Conversion of species-rich grasslands to intensive monocultures, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and earlier mowing schedules have eliminated the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the timing of vegetation growth and potentially shifting suitable habitat zones northward faster than the species can adapt.

Threat summary

Habitat

The lesser field grasshopper inhabits species-rich, extensively managed grasslands, particularly traditional hay meadows and chalk downlands with diverse plant communities. It requires areas with varied vegetation structure, including both short-cropped areas for basking and taller grass patches for shelter and egg-laying.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is lesser field grasshopper classified as Vulnerable?
lesser field grasshopper is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The lesser field grasshopper faces severe population declines primarily due to the intensification of agricultural practices and loss of traditional hay meadows across its European range. Conversion of species-rich grasslands to intensive monocultures, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and earlier mowing schedules have eliminated the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the timing of vegetation growth and potentially shifting suitable habitat zones northward faster than the species can adapt.
Where does lesser field grasshopper live?
lesser field grasshopper occurs in Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and China (plus 26 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to lesser field grasshopper?
The main threats to lesser field grasshopper are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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