In the landscape.
Plants & places
Garden ground and low vegetation. The filename gives Flat Rock as the location.
A sensible first response
Observe ordinary garden visitors without treating isolated leaf feeding as an infestation. A clear side view and natural flight view would be useful next evidence.
When to look
Filename record: October 2, 2025. Adults of several regional species persist into autumn.
Identification
IMG_6841 shows relatively short antennae, strong jumping hind legs, long leathery forewings and a mottled brown body. These establish a short-horned grasshopper.
Lookalikes & limits
The hidden hindwings, incomplete hind-leg markings and oblique angle prevent a reliable species assignment. Carolina and several other brown grasshoppers require comparison; none is accepted here.
In the garden
A plant feeder and substantial prey for birds, spiders and other animals.