Grasshoppers
Your grasshoppers, Gone For Good
DESCRIPTION:
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Adult grasshoppers are typically 1 to 2 inches long and vary in color from green to brown, with some species featuring vibrant colors like red or yellow. Grasshoppers have long, powerful hind legs designed for jumping and two pairs of wings. The front wings are narrow and leathery, while the hind wings are broad and membranous, often brightly colored. A notable feature of grasshoppers is their strong, chewing mouthparts, which they use to feed on a variety of plants.
BIOLOGY:
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Female grasshoppers lay several batches of around 20 to 100 eggs, typically in small holes they dig in soil. The eggs are usually laid in late summer or fall and overwinter in the soil. The incubation period varies depending on temperature; eggs laid in cooler conditions may take several months to hatch, while those in warmer climates hatch faster, sometimes in 10-20 days. The nymphs resemble small adults but without fully developed wings. They go through 5-6 molts over the course of 30 to 40 days before reaching adulthood.
HABITS:
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Grasshopper females are notable for their ability to lay eggs in the soil, though they do not exhibit a mothering instinct like some insects. Grasshoppers are primarily outdoor insects, feeding on a variety of plants and grasses. They are general feeders, sometimes causing significant damage to crops or gardens, depending on the population size. Grasshoppers are most active during the day, often hiding in tall grass or under plants when inactive. While they are outdoor insects, they occasionally become pests when they invade structures, especially during late summer or fall. Indoors, they are usually found near windows or entryways, seeking an escape.
