Small and nimble grasshoppers are undoubtedly familiar to anyone who is at least occasionally out of town. These nimble insects are able to move by giant leaps, especially considering their modest size. However, there are larger varieties among them, and they vary quite a bit. Considering how many of them there are in the world, it is possible that there are still undiscovered species that escape the attention of researchers.
Fact number one.
The grasshopper has five eyes. Two large eyes with thousands of single lenses are on either side of the insect’s head, allowing it to see in all directions. The two smaller eyes at the base of each antennae and the one eye between the two antennae are separate eyes, and it is still unknown what their purpose is.
Fact number two.
The grasshopper is famous for its incredible leaping ability. Its strong hind legs allow it to jump a distance 20 times the length of its body. That is, if the grasshopper is 5 cm long, he can jump a distance of 1 meter. They jump these distances because of their hind legs. Their hind legs function as «catapults. When preparing to jump, the grasshopper contracts its large flexor muscles by squeezing its hind legs at the knee joint. The special cuticle in the insect’s legs works like a spring, storing all the potential energy. The insect then relaxes the leg muscles, allowing the «spring» to release energy and eject it into the air.
Fact number three.
The life cycle of grasshoppers begins with the larval stage, and lasts quite a long time. As they grow, larvae usually molt five or six times and then become grasshoppers. These larvae have one peculiarity: they develop underground, and they need to get out to the surface to survive. They sense the direction to fresh air, but do not know how to turn, so if a tree root or, for example, a rock, crosses their path to freedom, the larva dies. As a result, only about 10% of grasshopper larvae reach the surface.
Fact number four.
Grasshoppers can change their coloration depending on the color of their environment, so it is impossible to identify these insects by their coloration. This is especially necessary to get rid of potential predators. Most often the coloration of grasshoppers is a combination of brown, gray or green. Some male species have bright spots on their wings, which they need to attract females during the mating season. Some species feed on toxic plants, accumulating poison in their bodies. These species are usually very brightly colored.
Fact number five.
The grasshopper is an insect herbivore. Some species eat only certain types of plants, while others eat any type of plant they can find. Their diet may include cotton, clover, corn, wheat, alfalfa, barley, and other grains. It is not uncommon to see grasshoppers chewing on tree leaves, grass, and weeds. The double-banded grasshopper eats plants that are toxic to cattle.
Fact number six.
Most grasshoppers are ubiquitous in any open, sunny area with lots of grass and low plants. They prefer pastures, agricultural fields, meadows, heathlands, homesteads, and gardens. Some species live in forests, deserts, or jungles.
Fact number seven.
Most grasshoppers are ubiquitous in any open, sunny area with lots of grass and low plants. They prefer pastures, agricultural fields, meadows, heathlands, homesteads, and gardens. Some species live in forests, deserts, or jungles.
Fact number eight.
Grasshoppers have a lifespan of a couple of months to several years. It will depend on the climate in which they live. Adults cannot tolerate low temperatures, so in areas with cold winter months, they are only able to survive the winter as eggs. In warmer areas, insects can live for several years.
Fact number nine.
Grasshoppers have very strong jaws, but they rarely use them as a defense mechanism. They prefer to bounce away from a predator, avoiding capture, rather than confront it.
Fact number ten.
The sound apparatus of the grasshopper is located on the elytra. There is a thin membrane on the right side and teeth resembling a violin’s bow on the left. The contact produces a sound called a chirp.
