Grasshopper characteristics and living environment

Grasshopper, scientific name Orthoptera, Acrididae, is a common insect widely distributed around the world. They are known for their strong jumping ability, herbivorous habits and survival adaptability. Grasshoppers are not only an important part of the ecosystem, but also an important object of human culture, agriculture and scientific research. This article will introduce the morphological characteristics, living habits, habitats and their role in the ecosystem of grasshoppers in detail.

1. Main characteristics of grasshoppers

(1) Body structure

The grasshopper's body is divided into three parts: head, thorax and abdomen, with typical Orthoptera characteristics:

• Head

• Has large and protruding compound eyes, providing a wide field of vision, helping grasshoppers detect predators and find food.

• Short and hard antennae, used to sense the environment

• Chew-type mouthparts, suitable for crushing leaves, grass stems and other plant food.

• Chest

• The hind legs are particularly developed, suitable for efficient jumping, sometimes able to jump dozens of times its own length.

• The muscles of the hind legs are elastic and can store energy before jumping in order to quickly escape predators.

• Forewings (leathery wings): Hard protective wings, usually covering the hind wings.

• Hint wings (membranous wings): unfolded during flight, used for short-distance gliding.

• Strong hind legs:

• Abdomen

• The abdomen is long and contains the digestive system, reproductive system, etc.

• The end of the abdomen of female grasshoppers has an ovipositor, which can be used to dig soil and lay eggs.

(2) Color and camouflage

• The body color of grasshoppers varies from species to species. Common colors include green, brown, yellow or striped, which help them camouflage in the grass and avoid being discovered by predators.

• Some grasshoppers, such as the African desert locust, change color in different environments, from green to yellow-brown or red.

(3) Wings and flight ability

• Most grasshoppers can fly, but their flying ability is weak, and they usually glide a short distance after jumping.

• Some species (such as locusts) have strong migration capabilities and can migrate on a large scale when food is scarce, forming a locust plague.

(4) Perception ability

• **The hearing organ (tympanic membrane)** is located in the first segment of the abdomen and can perceive the chirping sounds of its own kind or the sounds of enemies.

• Sharp vision, compound eyes can quickly capture moving objects and avoid being preyed upon by natural enemies.

2. Grasshopper’s living habits

(1) Food habits

Grasshoppers are typical herbivorous insects, mainly feeding on herbs, grains, leaves, etc., and especially like:

• Gramineae (such as wheat, rice, corn, sorghum).

• Weeds (such as foxtail grass, reeds, dandelions).

• Some vegetables (such as cabbage and lettuce).

• Sometimes they eat flowers or fruits, but they do not eat decaying organic matter.

(2) Reproduction

• Oviparous insects, female grasshoppers use ovipositors to bury their eggs in the soil or humus, and can lay dozens to hundreds of eggs each time.

• The eggs hatch into nymphs at a suitable temperature, and the nymphs develop into adults after 3-5 molts.

• The peak breeding season is usually in summer and autumn, and the number grows rapidly in warm and humid environments.

(3) Activity pattern

• Diurnal insects, mainly foraging, jumping and flying during the day.

• Temperature affects activity:

• Most active when warm, and less active when the temperature is low.

• Usually rest on plant stems and leaves at night.

(4) Chirping behavior

• Some male grasshoppers can chirp, making sounds by rubbing their wings against their hind legs or by rubbing their wings against each other, mainly to attract females or drive away competitors.

3. Grasshopper’s living environment

Grasshoppers have strong adaptability and can survive in different ecological environments. They are mainly distributed in the following environments:

(1) Grasslands and farmlands (most common)

• Typical representatives：Chinese grasshopper (Acrida cinerea), East Asian migratory locust (Locusta migratoria manilensis).

• Adaptive characteristics:

• Rely on tall grass to hide themselves and reduce the risk of being preyed on.

• Can reproduce quickly and increase in number in an environment with sufficient food.

• It is an agricultural pest and often causes damage to crops.

(2) Forest edges and bushes

• Some species live in brush and low grass at the edge of the forest, such as the striped grasshopper (Oedaleus decorus).

• These environments provide sufficient food and shelter for grasshoppers.

(3) Wetlands and swamps

• Grasshoppers in waterside grass are well adapted to humid environments, such as the aquatic grasshopper (Stethophyma grossum).

• Rely on aquatic plants and moist soil as habitat.

(4) Deserts and arid areas

• Representative species: Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), an important insect causing locust plagues.

• These grasshoppers have strong heat and drought resistance and can fly long distances to find food.

(5) Cities and suburbs

• Grasshoppers can also be found in urban green belts, parks, flower beds, etc.

• In this environment, grasshoppers mainly rely on turf plants and weeds to survive.

4. Ecological role of grasshoppers

(1) Role in the ecosystem

• As herbivores, grasshoppers control plant growth and affect vegetation structure.

• It is an important food source for predators such as birds, frogs, lizards, and spiders.

• Laying eggs in the soil contributes to the soil ecological cycle.

(2) Agricultural pests

• Some grasshopper populations will multiply in large numbers under certain conditions, causing locust plagues, which can cause serious damage to crops.

• For example, African desert locust plagues can destroy large areas of farmland and cause food shortages.

(3) Cultural and economic value

• In ancient China, grasshoppers were used in insect fighting, similar to cricket fighting.

• In some areas, grasshoppers are used as food (such as fried grasshoppers) and are rich in protein.

• In scientific research, grasshoppers are used to study insect biomechanics, jumping motion, and group behavior.

5. Conclusion

Grasshoppers are a highly adaptable herbivorous insect widely distributed in various ecological environments. Their jumping ability, flight ability, reproductive ability, and herbivorous behavior make them an important part of the ecosystem. Although grasshoppers pose a threat to agriculture in some cases, they also play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and scientific research.

animal tags： Grasshopper