This study was undertaken to measure destruction and feeding by two species of grasshoppers, Camnula pellucida (Scudder) and Melanoplus sangutnipes (F.), common on fescue prairie, in relation to forage preferences, stubble height, and leaf water content. C. pellucida showed no significant preferences, whereas M. sanguintpes preferred rough fescue (Festuca scabrella Torrey). M. sangutntpes displayed greater preference for higher leaf water content than did C. pellucida. The presence of stubble restricted feeding of both grasshopper species, but M. sanguintpes was less inhibited. The inhibition by stubble was related directly to its density (grams per cubic centimeter) and, therefore, inversely to its height. The significance of these aspects of feeding behavior in relation to grassland condition is discussed.
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