Friday, June 8, 2012

The life cycle of the Grasshopper


They are herbivorous and commonly seen in autumn; a few appear in summer and spring. Read More:

Appearance
    •    Brown, with some darker markings
    •    Black herringbone pattern on hind femur
    •    Big hind legs for jumping
    •    2 pairs of wings: forewings narrow and
Adult Males and Females
Males have a single unpaired plate at the end of abdomen. Female has two pairs of valves (triangle shapes) at end of abdomen used to dig in sand when egg laying.
Immatures (different stages)
In very young stage, the grasshopper has no wings. In later stages, wings are visible as small pads at end of thorax.
Natural History
Food
Many species of grasshoppers are general herbivores feeding on a variety of plants. Some species only like grasses.
Habitat
Widespread in U.S.
Predators
Birds, lizards,mantids, spiders, and rodents eat grasshoppers.
Interesting Behaviors
Feeding: Although they eat many things, they still have preferences. Mating behavior: See how male courts female. Egg-laying: Female digs hole with abdomen. Some grasshoppers spit a brown bitter liquid as a defensive behavior in response to being handled.
Grasshopper Life Cycle

Loocusts in Africa

No comments: