The Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallels) is usually found in damp, unimproved pastures and meadows. It is mainly green in colour with dark grey-brown stripe running along the flank to the eye (there are also brown and purplish forms).  It has short forewings that do not reach to the end of the abdomen and are particularly short in females.  It is similar to the Field Grasshopper but without the hairy chest.  Like all grasshoppers it goes through a series of moults from wingless nymphs to winged adults, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. Nymphs are present from April, turning to adults in June, feeding on plants and grass.  Males attract females by rubbing their legs against their wings to create a ‘song’ (a rhythmic ‘rrrrrrr’ sound.  After mating, the eggs are laid in the soil in a pod, ready to hatch the following spring.