Melanoplus is a large genus of grasshoppers that is very common in North America. Species found in Oregon include the Oregon short-wing grasshopper (Melanoplus oregonensis), dark with wings widely separated on the back; the twostriped grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus), which is dark-green; the Bruner spurthroated grasshopper (Melanoplus bruneri), a pest of rangeland forage; the devastating grasshopper (Melanoplus devastator), found in the coastal area; the migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes); the Nevada sage grasshopper (Melanoplus rugglesi), only found in western Oregon; the packard grasshopper (Melanoplus packardii), a strong flier with long wings; the striped sand grasshopper (Melanoplus foedus), which is light-brown when adult; the red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) and the differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis).
Two species of the genus Aulocara inhabits Oregon, the widely spread bigheaded grasshopper (Aulocara elliotti) and the whitecrossed grasshopper (Aulocara femoratum), which is limited to south-eastern areas. Despite their short wings, these species can disperse rapidly when in swarms. Both species have larger than average heads, with slanted faces and spotted wings.
The clear-winged grasshopper (Camnula pellucida) is a small species widely distributed in grasslands and mountain meadows of North America. Despite its size, this species is a severe agricultural pest, forming swarms that can destroy wheat, onions, lettuce, cabbage and peas. Another small species found in western Oregon, the white-whiskered grasshopper (Ageneotettix deorum), is dark gray with a white pattern when young.
The pallid-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis pallidipennis) is one of the most common species in the Americas, spreading from Canada to Argentina. The pallidwinged grasshopper is a large, tan to gray insect, found in desert and semi-desert areas. Only found in western areas in Oregon, the redshanked grasshopper (Xanthippus corallipes) is gray to silver and has strong wings that extend beyond the abdomen.