Comparison

Nymphs of Chortophaga viridifasciata and Encoptolophus costalis

First Instar Chortophaga viridifasciata Body Length 5.5-8.2 mm Femur Length 2.4-3.7 mm Antennal Segments 10-13	First Instar Encoptolophus costalis BL 4.5-4.7 mm FL 2-2.2 mm AS 11-12
Second Instar C. viridifasciata BL 7.8-10.1 mm FL 4.6-5.1 mm AS 16-17	Second Instar E. costalis BL 5.2-6.9 mm FL 2.9-3.5 mm AS 13-16
Third Instar C. viridifasciata BL 9.5-11.8 mm FL 6.1-6.6 mm AS 19-20	Third Instar E. costalis BL 6.7-8.2 mm FL 4-5.3 mm AS 16-18
Fourth Instar C. viridifasciata BL 13.5-15 mm FL 7.1-8.2 mm AS 20-21	Fourth Instar E. costalis BL 10.1-13.7 mm FL 5.5-7.2 mm AS 20-23
Fifth Instar C. viridifasciata BL 17.3-20 mm FL 9.0-11.1 mm AS 21-22	Fifth Instar E. costalis BL 10.7-16 mm FL 7.3-9.3 mm AS 23-25

The early instars (I to III) of Encoptolophus costalis and of Chortophaga viridifasciata appear similar; both are usually green and structurally similar. They may be separated by a few characteristics that differ. The antennae of the dusky grasshopper are clavate while those of C. viridifasciata are ensiform. The outer faces of the femur and tibia of the fore- and midlegs of the dusky grasshopper have four distinct longitudinal ridges, which usually have black lines between them. Those of C. viridifasciata have two distinct ridges, which are the upper and lower carina, and a third weak ridge between them with no black lines between the ridges. Instar I of the dusky grasshopper has the medial area of the hind femur pink in the distal half, and that of C. viridifasciata is entirely green. Instars IV and V are identifiable by the shape of the pronotum. The disk of the dusky grasshopper slopes moderately, and that of C. viridifasciata is tectate (steep roof-like); the posterior angle of the disk in the dusky grasshopper is obtuse, and that of C. viridifasciata is acute.

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