The Lesser Marsh Grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus) is similar in appearance to the Meadow Grasshopper, but it is straw brown or light green-coloured and less brightly coloured than the Meadow Grasshopper. The side keels of the pronotum are almost parallel. It has a rather pointed snout, robust antennae and a white border to the wings which varies in intensity. It has functional wings and flies readily in hot weather. Its length is 13-23 mm.
The Lesser Marsh Grasshopper can be found in damp grasland areas, particularly where it floods in winter, but also occurs in drier conditions, e.g. on roadside verges, waste ground, etc.
It is a mid-season species, with nymphs hatching in May. Adults appear from early to mid July and remain abundant through to October. It deeds mainly on grasses.
The Lesser Marsh Grasshopper is quite a common species, but most records come from south-eastern England and the Midlands.
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