[4] The rest of the body looks similar to that of most grasshopper species, with enlarged hind legs for jumping and two pairs of wings, with one set overlapping the other.

[6] The mating rituals of M. bivittatus are similar to that of red-legged grasshoppers (Melanoplus femurrubrum) in that both species receive and obtain nuptial gifts, in this case spermatophores[6] Spermatophores are provided during the entire copulation period, which tends to be dominated mostly by male activity.

[6] Females will often refrain from rejecting males due to the benefits gained from the protein and fitness from eating the spermatophore.

[6] Melanoplus bivittatus are polyphagous, eating a wide variety of plants such as forbs and lentil crops.

[7] During times of colder weather (below 25 °C) Melanoplus bivittatus will not feed since fecal production is low and excrement can not be expelled.