This study was undertaken to measure destruction and feeding by two species of grasshoppers,Camnula pellucida(Scudder) andMelanoplus sanguinipes(F.), common on fescue prairie, in relation to forage preferences, stubble height, and leaf water content.C. pellucidashowed no significant preferences, whereasM. sanguinipespreferred rough fescue (Festuca scabrella Torrey).M. sanguinipesdisplayed greater preference for higher leaf water content than didC. pellucida. The presence of stubble restricted feeding of both grasshopper species, butM. sanguinipeswas less inhibited. The inhibition by stubble was related directly to its density (grams per cubic centimeter) and, therefore, inversely to its height. The significance of these aspects of feeding behavior in relation to grassland condition is discussed.