In the spring, grasshoppers chirp in the grass: acquaintance with an insect
With the advent of summer, a lot of insects appear in gardens and summer cottages. Some of them are absolutely not dangerous for the future crop, others are very useful, and still others can be serious pests. Quite often, inexperienced farmers are wondering which of these three groups should include jumping grasshoppers familiar to everyone since childhood.
Content
Grasshopper: photo
What is a grasshopper and what does it look like
Name: real grasshoppers
Latin: TettigoniidaeClass: Insects - Insecta
Squad: Orthoptera - Orthoptera
 | Habitats: | tropics, tundra, alpine meadows |
 | Features: | species differ in shades, even in shape, imitate the plants on which they live. |
 | Description: | beneficial insects that destroy many pests. |
The famous grasshopper is included in the Orthoptera order, along with such well-known insects as:
- crickets;
- locusts;
- bears.
The family of true grasshoppers includes a huge variety of species that have significant differences both in appearance and in lifestyle.
Appearance of grasshoppers
The color of grasshoppers can vary from yellow and bright green to gray and black. On top of the main color, various stripes and spots are most often applied. The shade of color and pattern on the body of a grasshopper is essentially a kind of disguise to protect against natural enemies, therefore it largely depends on the habitat of a particular species.
The head of a grasshopper is basically oval in shape. In the frontal part there are two large oval or rounded eyes. The structure of the organs of vision in these insects is simple, faceted.
The body of the insect most often has a rounded, elongated shape and a smooth surface. But, quite often there are species with bright distinctive features, for example, a spindle-shaped body or various tubercles and growths on its surface.
The front and middle pair of limbs are designed for walking. They are quite thin in shape and much less developed than the rear pair. But the hind legs are very well developed. The femurs of the hind limbs are noticeably thickened and have a slightly flattened shape on the sides. It is the long hind legs that are designed to make the famous grasshopper jumps.
Close-up photo of a grasshopper.
The grasshopper's mouth apparatus is its distinguishing feature; it makes sounds with it, the famous chirp. It is considered gnawing and consists of the following parts:
- large upper lip covering the jaws;
- a pair of strong, asymmetrical upper jaws;
- a pair of lower jaws;
- bifurcated lower lip.
Habitat of grasshoppers
| Where does | Due to the huge species diversity, grasshoppers can be found in almost every corner of the planet. |
| Where not found | The only exceptions are the mainland Antarctica and the islands of New Zealand. |
| Most spread | The largest number of individuals of these insects lives in a hot tropical climate, but their habitat covers even the tundra and high mountain regions. |
| Предпочтения | Grasshoppers, like many other living creatures, depend on the amount of water, but this dependence is very different in different species. Some species of these insects prefer high humidity and therefore are more often found near water bodies, while others prefer well-lit and dry areas of the earth, and can easily live in deserts. |
Lifestyle and diet of grasshoppers
Representatives of the grasshopper family prefer a secretive lifestyle and choose grassy thickets or plant residues on the ground surface for habitat. This is directly related to a large number of natural enemies, because many birds and animals do not mind eating grasshoppers.
The opinion about the exclusive herbivory of these insects is erroneous.
Most grasshoppers are real predators and their diet may include the following products:
- oviposition of other insects;
- aphid;
- caterpillars;
- butterflies;
- pincers;
- small locust;
- beetles.
However, as an exception, there are still some species that feed exclusively on plant foods:
- young shoots;
- grass;
- tree leaves.
What harm do grasshoppers bring to a person
In this matter, it is very important not to confuse the grasshopper and the locust. The latter is a dangerous pest and its massive invasion can completely destroy the beds. And here grasshoppers themselves, most often act as beneficial insects.
Grasshopper: helper in the garden.
Since most of these insects are predators, they help farmers control the populations of many dangerous pests, such as:
- caterpillars;
- aphid;
- Colorado beetles.
What types of grasshoppers can be found on the territory of Russia
On the territory of Russia and neighboring states, the most common representatives of the grasshopper family are:
- green grasshopper;
- grasshopper stalk;
- greenhouse grasshopper;
- ball-headed grasshopper.
Conclusion
Familiar to many since childhood, grasshoppers are important participants in the food chain and, despite a common misconception, they do not feed on grass. Most grasshoppers are fierce predators that destroy egg-laying, larvae and adults of other insect species, therefore, “jumpers” seen on the beds are likely to only benefit a person.
