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.
Life Cycle of Grasshoppers:
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.
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.
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.
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