This month, we highlight the rattle grasshopper (Psophus stridulus) - a small grasshopper species that can be observed in nature from mid-July until the end of September.

The Latvian name of the species derives from the characteristic rattling sound produced by males during flight. Because of its bright red hindwings, the species is also known as the red-winged grasshopper.

Adult individuals can be seen from mid-July to late September. They are well camouflaged in their surroundings, so most often the species is detected by spotting or hearing flying males.

You can read more about the species and how to help protect it in its fact sheet (PDF version available here). Fact sheet design: Kristīna Bondare.

The rattle grasshopper is a small, robust grasshopper with a dark grey (sometimes brown) and mottled coloration. Its hind legs feature light stripes, and the pronotum (thoracic shield) is arched upward with noticeable depressions on both sides. The hindwings are orange-red with black tips.

Females are larger and stockier than males, and their wings usually do not extend beyond the tip of the abdomen.

Distribution map author: Jānis Ukass

In Latvia, the rattle grasshopper is classified as an Endangered (EN) species.