When does the Black Grassbug hatch?

• A. Late winter/early spring
• B. Mid-summer
• C. Late summer
• D. Fall

Answer: (A)

The hatch is timed to the plant’s growing cycle. After winter, temperatures rise and grasses begin to green up, providing fresh, nutritious tissue for the nymphs. The Black Grassbug has evolved to emerge from over‑wintering and hatch during late winter to early spring so young bugs can feed on new growth and go through their development when food resources are most abundant. If hatching occurred in mid‑summer, late summer, or fall, the plant tissue would be older and less suitable, and hot, dry conditions would reduce survival. Winter hatching is unlikely because cold temperatures slow development or kill exposed eggs or nymphs.