redlegged grasshopper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “redlegged grasshopper” mean?
A specific species of grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) characterized by distinctive reddish hind legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific species of grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) characterized by distinctive reddish hind legs.
In agricultural contexts, it can refer to a pest species known for damaging crops, particularly in North America. In casual observation, any grasshopper with noticeably red legs might be loosely called this.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species is native to North America, so the term is far more common in American English. In British English, it would only be used in specific entomological or imported agricultural contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes a common farm or garden pest. In British English, it lacks strong cultural associations and is purely a technical or descriptive term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday British English; low-to-moderate in specific American contexts (agriculture, gardening, biology).
Grammar
How to Use “redlegged grasshopper” in a Sentence
The [adjective] redlegged grasshopper [verb] the crop.We observed a redlegged grasshopper [present participle].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redlegged grasshopper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The field was badly redlegged-grasshoppered last summer.
- The crops are being redlegged-grasshoppered.
American English
- The soybeans got redlegged-grasshoppered in August.
- If you don't spray, the lettuce will redlegged-grasshopper.
adverb
British English
- The field was eaten redlegged-grasshopperly.
- They jumped redlegged-grasshopperly across the path.
American English
- The insects descended redlegged-grasshopperly on the crop.
- They moved redlegged-grasshopperly through the grass.
adjective
British English
- We have a redlegged-grasshopper problem.
- The redlegged-grasshopper damage was extensive.
American English
- It's a redlegged-grasshopper infestation.
- We need a redlegged-grasshopper management plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agricultural supply, pest control, or crop insurance reports.
Academic
Used in entomology, ecology, and agricultural science papers.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners or farmers describing a pest.
Technical
The primary context. Used in field guides, pest management manuals, and species inventories.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redlegged grasshopper”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redlegged grasshopper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redlegged grasshopper”
- Spelling as two words: 'red legged grasshopper'.
- Using it as a general term for any large grasshopper.
- Pronouncing it as 'red-leg-ged' (four syllables) instead of 'red-legd' (three syllables).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In standard entomological and dictionary usage, it is typically written as a single compound word: 'redlegged grasshopper'. However, hyphenated forms ('red-legged grasshopper') are also very common and generally accepted.
The specific species Melanoplus femurrubrum is native to North America. However, the descriptive term could be applied to other grasshopper species with red legs found elsewhere in the world, though this would be informal.
No, it is not dangerous to humans. It does not bite or sting. Its significance is primarily agricultural, as it can be a crop pest.
In casual conversation, yes, it would be understood descriptively. For scientific accuracy, however, the term refers specifically to Melanoplus femurrubrum, which has other identifying features beyond just red legs.
A specific species of grasshopper (Melanoplus femurrubrum) characterized by distinctive reddish hind legs.
Redlegged grasshopper is usually technical / scientific in register.
Redlegged grasshopper: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛdˌlɛɡd ˈɡrɑːsˌhɒpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛdˌlɛɡd ˈɡræsˌhɑːpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'redlegged' as one word: think of a grasshopper wearing red LEGgings.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly used metaphorically. Literal description of physical特征.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'redlegged grasshopper' MOST frequently used?