NDA NEWS — The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has received numerous calls from across southern Nevada of large numbers of grasshoppers in the area. The insects have been seen in Laughlin, Pahrumph, Las Vegas and around Lake Mead.
The reported grasshopper is a large species called the pallid bandwinged grasshopper (Trimerotropis pallidipennis). It gets its name from the yellow hindwings that have a large black band running around the edge of the wing.
This species is common throughout Nevada, but occasionally high numbers build up in southern Nevada, most likely due to the rains last fall. The insects then migrate northward into the center of the state.
These grasshoppers are normally not considered to be a damaging species, eating mostly weedy species, but high numbers can be a nuisance. Chemical control of the adult insects can be very difficult and is generally not recommended. More grasshoppers will simply move back into the controlled area.
However, this species is highly attracted to certain lights. In some cases, simply changing the light bulb to a low ultraviolet bulb can reduce or eliminate the grasshoppers.
The insects should pass through the area and be gone within one or two weeks. The NDA will have personnel surveying southern Nevada for the species this week.
Information on the grasshoppers and the high numbers may be reported by contacting Jeff Knight at (775) 848-2592 or at [email protected]. Please include your contact information and the location of the grasshoppers. Pictures may also be obtained by contacting Knight.
