The genus Melanoplus is currently subdivided into numerous species groups, mostly informally by arrangement in collections. Most of the groups need further study. This paper treats the Viridipes Group which previously included 11 species. In this paper we have described two new species: M. lilianae n. sp. and M. benni n. sp. One species, M. gracilis, probably does not belong to this group. I have included it here because its affinities with other Melanoplus species remain unknown. Like the Viridipes Group it is characterized by its green legs.

The members of this group are distributed mostly east of the Mississippi River. Two species, M. sylvatica and M. beameri, are known from west of the river. Most of the species emerge as adults in the spring or early summer and some are believed to overwinter in later nymphal stages. These species also prefer woodland habitats, especially along woods margins and small openings in woods. But sometimes they may be found some distance from the woodland edge, especially on larger balds in the southern Appalachian mountains.