Thousands of species of grasshoppers inhabit nearly all climates on Earth. These diurnal insects have several distinctive features, including their excellent jumping and flying abilities.
Despite the fact that grasshoppers can cause crop damage, they are also considered delicious food or a symbol of good luck in various cultures.
Let’s explore more about these animal from teketrek.
Scientific Classification of Grasshoppers:
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Family: Acrididae
Characteristics of Grasshoppers:
Grasshoppers are medium to large-sized insects.
Adults typically range from 1 to 7 cm in length, depending on the species.
They have body parts similar to cockroaches, possessing mouthparts adapted for chewing.
Grasshoppers have two pairs of wings, one narrow and sturdy, and the other broad and flexible.
They also have long hind legs that aid them in jumping.
Grasshoppers typically have large eyes, often colored to blend with their environment.
They are usually a mixture of brown, gray, or green colors.
In some species, male grasshoppers have vibrant colors on their wings, which they use to attract females.
Some species of grasshoppers feed on toxic plants and store toxins in their bodies for protection.
Females are larger than males, and have sharp points at the end of their abdomen that help them lay eggs underground.
Sometimes, male grasshoppers have special structures on their wings that enable them to rub their hind legs together to produce sounds.
Grasshoppers can be found almost everywhere in the world, except for cold regions near the North and South Poles.
Grasshoppers are remarkable insects, capable of jumping 20 times their body length, with some species able to jump up to 80 cm.
Types of Grasshoppers:
There are two main groups of grasshoppers:
- Longhorn Grasshoppers:
Longhorn grasshoppers have antennae, or “sensors,” that are approximately the same length as their bodies.
- Short-horned Grasshoppers:
Short-horned grasshoppers have antennae that are less than half the length of their bodies. They are often referred to as locusts, especially when they migrate.
Short-horned grasshoppers are the ones that cause significant damage to crops when they migrate in massive swarms in search of food. They consume almost all green plants in their path.
Longhorn grasshoppers typically cause relatively minor damage.
Habitat and Diet of Grasshoppers:
They live anywhere they can find plenty of food including fields and meadows.
They have a tough exoskeleton, and an adult grasshopper reaches about an inch and a half in length. Because it’s so small, you might not think it eats much. However, grasshoppers actually consume large amounts of food.
An average grasshopper can eat up to 16 times its weight.
Their preferred foods include grasses, tree leaves, and grain crops.
Behavior of Grasshoppers:
Grasshoppers are most active during the day and feed at night.
They do not have nests or permanent living areas. Some of them migrate long distances to find new sources for food.
Most species are solitary and only come together for mating, but migratory species sometimes gather in massive groups numbering in the millions or even billions of individuals.
When it catches prey, it spits out a brown liquid called “tobacco juice.” It is believed to protect the animal from attacks by other predators, as it spits the liquid on it and then quickly jumps away.
Grasshoppers also try to escape from their hidden enemies in the grass or among tree leaves.
If you’ve ever tried to catch grasshoppers in a field, you’ve likely noticed how quickly they can disappear from sight.
The Grasshopper Life Cycle
Egg Stage: The life cycle of grasshoppers begins with the egg stage. By midsummer, a female grasshopper lays fertilized eggs in an egg capsule, usually numbering more than ten, either in the soil or among leaf litter. Each egg capsule contains around 10-300 eggs.
The eggs remain dormant during the fall and winter seasons for approximately ten months. By spring or early summer, the eggs hatch into nymphs.
Nymph Stage: Nymphs are miniature versions of adult grasshoppers, but they are pale in color and lack wings. Nymphs undergo 5-6 molts, changing their shape and structure before becoming adults. This molting process is known as “incomplete metamorphosis,” and the nymphal stage lasts for 5-10 days, depending on the species and weather conditions, especially temperature and humidity.
After 25-30 days, the wings fully develop, and the nymphs mature into adults.
Adult Stage: At this stage, grasshoppers reach maturity, with fully developed wings. The lifespan of a grasshopper at this stage is around 11 months.
Grasshopper Diet
Grasshoppers feed on a variety of foods, including plants and grasses. They are omnivorous insects and primarily prefer to eat plant leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. They also sometimes eat dead insects to provide their bodies with additional protein. As adults, they consume large numbers of leaves, crops, and flowers, which can be dangerous for slow plant and grain growth. Grasshopper Habitat
Grasshopper habitats vary depending on the species. The long-horned rose grasshopper, which belongs to the long-horned grasshopper family, lives throughout most of Europe and temperate Asia, and is native to the British Isles. The cylindrical grasshopper, on the other hand, adapts to and lives on farms in various regions around the world.
The green grasshopper prefers to live in moist meadows, forest lands, and hill pastures. It is widespread in highlands and may also be found in lowlands. In general, grasshoppers are found worldwide in hot, dry environments. They do not like extremely cold regions such as Antarctica, so it is rare to find them there. Their primary habitat is fields and meadows. They begin their life cycle in agricultural fields in the summer and also reproduce among plants. Throughout their lives, they search for shelter, food, and a suitable environment until they die.
Grasshopper Mating
Grasshoppers reach full maturity and are ready to mate at three months of age. The male makes a song-like sound to attract a female. This sound is produced by moving his lower hind legs over his forewings, creating the sound. Species that do not make any sounds rely on sight and smell to locate a female for mating. Many grasshopper species often die shortly after mating. Males die first, followed by females laying eggs. The eggs hatch three or four weeks later in tropical regions. In temperate climates, however, the eggs do not hatch during the winter, and the nymphs must wait until spring or summer for the eggs to emerge.
Harmful Effects of Grasshoppers
Although grasshoppers have many environmental benefits, including maintaining ecological balance, contributing to soil fertility through their excrement and facilitating plant growth, they also play a significant role in preventing the overgrowth of plants in the environment by eliminating small weeds that are harmful to the soil. They are also a source of food for many predatory animals, however, they also have significant harmful effects, particularly as they cause significant damage to agricultural crops. Grasshoppers eat large quantities of tree leaves, especially during adulthood, making them a harmful pest for lands and meadows. They also sometimes sting people, especially if they feel threatened. Their sting is not poisonous, but it is painful. The sound of the grasshopper at night is also disturbing, and some people may be harmed by the disturbing sounds it makes, especially at night.
Grasshoppers in the Environment
Grasshoppers adapt effectively to their surrounding environment, aided by their many physical characteristics. Their long hind legs enable them to jump long distances, making them jumping insects. Their front legs have handles that help them grasp leaves or stems and climb. They also have wings, which help them fly long distances and escape predators. Grasshoppers can also hide and camouflage themselves, changing their body color to match their environment, making it difficult for predators to spot them. They have a strong exoskeleton, which helps them avoid harm when they jump.
They also have strong jaws, which they use to eat plants and insects and to bite predators to defend themselves. Grasshoppers have a keen sense of hearing, as their auditory system is located in their front legs. This enables them to hear predators and escape them. It also makes it easier for them to move quickly from one place to another and find the right environment for their survival.
The Difference Between Grasshoppers and Cockroaches
Although grasshoppers and cockroaches are from the same family, they are completely different in their physical structure and how they adapt to their environment. Grasshoppers are a type of locust that jumps and flies and feeds primarily on plants. Their life cycle begins and ends among agricultural crops. They have a strong, thin body and external skeleton, long legs, and their color changes depending on the environment in which they live. They can jump at great speeds and possess powerful jaws that help them attack predators.
Cockroaches, on the other hand, are harmful insects that prefer to live in toilets and are rarely found in gardens. They have long antennae and are usually a single color, dark or light brown. Some species can fly, while others cannot. They feed on waste and harmful algae found in the environment.
In sewers, they pose a great harm to humans if they are found in large quantities in homes because they are a source of pollution.
Does the locust bite?
No, locusts do not bite humans. In fact, most species of locusts are not harmful to humans and are not considered aggressive towards humans. Locusts usually feed on plants and other insects, and they do not attack humans to bite or harm them. However, some species may defend themselves if they feel threatened, which could result in a mild bite, but this is not common.
Is the locust poisonous?
Most species of locusts are not poisonous to humans. In fact, locusts generally are not considered harmful to humans at all. However, they should be handled with caution, especially if they belong to species that may defend themselves by biting, which could cause some discomfort or itching, but it is rare for them to have a poisonous effect. In general, problems can be avoided by avoiding direct contact with locusts and not threatening them.
Predators of Grasshoppers:
The greatest enemies of grasshoppers include various species of flies that lay their eggs inside or near grasshopper eggs. After the fly eggs hatch, the newly hatched flies feed on the grasshopper eggs. Some flies even lay their eggs directly on the bodies of grasshoppers, even while they are flying. The fly maggots then consume the grasshoppers.
Among other predators of grasshoppers are beetles, birds, as well as rodents, snakes, and spiders.
The Grasshopper in Arabic Poetry
There are some poets who were called the grasshopper, such as Abu Jundub al-Hudhali, a pre-Islamic poet who was known for his evil and misery, and was called “the unfortunate one.” He was known for his eloquent poetry. Similarly, Imru’ al-Qais’ wife was called Umm Jundub al-Azdiyya, and she wrote many verses of poetry and criticism. Some poets used the grasshopper to describe their lives, as we find at the beginning of Al-Sharif al-Radi’s collection of poems, when he said, “I have gone astray, the grasshopper,” comparing his life to the life of a soldier in error.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grasshoppers:
- How far can grasshoppers jump?
The height of their jump depends on the species, but there are reports indicating they can jump to an impressive height of up to 80 cm.
- What do grasshoppers eat?
Grasshoppers are herbivores.
Grasshoppers are active during midday, while crickets remain active until dusk.
- What is special about grasshoppers?
Grasshoppers are known for their remarkable jumping ability, with some species capable of jumping up to 80 cm in height. They are also important herbivores in many ecosystems, contributing to the balance of plant populations. Additionally, grasshoppers play a significant role in food webs, serving as prey for various predators.
- Why do grasshoppers turn into locusts?
Grasshoppers can turn into locusts under certain conditions, triggered by overcrowding and environmental stress factors such as drought and food scarcity. This overcrowding leads to changes in behavior and physiology, causing them to undergo physiological changes and form swarms. This transformation, known as phase polyphenism, allows them to migrate in search of food, resulting in the destructive swarms associated with locusts.
- Why are grasshoppers a problem?
Grasshoppers can become a problem when they exist in high population densities, leading to overgrazing of vegetation and causing significant damage to crops, pastures, and rangelands. Large swarms of grasshoppers can devastate agricultural fields, leading to economic losses for farmers and food shortages in affected areas.
In conclusion, grasshoppers are important creatures in the ecosystem, contributing to environmental balance and biodiversity. These animals are known for their intelligence and adaptability in diverse environments. It’s important to protect grasshoppers and preserve their natural habitats to ensure their vital role in the natural cycle of life.
Sources:
