How Do Grasshoppers Catch Food?

Grasshoppers are among the most recognizible insects in the world

With their large eyes, distinctive mouthparts and elongated back legs, grasshoppers are one of the most recognizable insects in the animal kingdom. Being herbivores they do not "catch" their food in the sense of trapping it, but they are very adept at finding sources of food and, with such large numbers of them, are capable of eating a great amount.

History

Grasshoppers are one of the most abundant insects in the world. Dating back some 300 million years they have survived and flourished for a very long time. There are thought to be over 13,000 different species of grasshopper. They have six legs; the back two have evolved to enable them to jump up to 3 feet in distance, which is remarkable for a creature that averages 4 cm in length.

Distribution

Different species of grasshopper can be found in many countries around the world, having adapted to different habitats. They are abundant throughout the Americas, the Far East, Africa, Asia and Europe. The only limit to where they populate is the cold--they can only survive in temperate climates.

Food for Grasshoppers

Green foliage of many different plants provides the staple source of food for most grasshoppers. These include all sorts of grasses, kale, cotton and alfalfa. Because they get all their sustenance and nutrients from plants, they need to feed a great deal each day. Some grasshoppers also feed at night, perhaps to avoid predators. If their source of food runs out grasshoppers will migrate in large swarms to find new food, or consume any available organic material. They have even been known to eat straw hats.

Feeding Issues

Grasshoppers need to feed every day and if food is unavailable they will quickly expire. This often happens in situations of sudden drought. They are also prey for a variety of predators, including birds, reptiles and mammals. Perhaps the greatest impact on grasshopper numbers has been agricultural pest control.

Grasshoppers as Food

While grasshoppers are renowned for their voracious appetites, some humans have an appetite for grasshoppers. Predominantly in countries in the Far East such as China and Malaysia, grasshoppers and other insects are an important source of protein. Usually fried or grilled on skewers, they are a popular snack at food markets.

References

• Purdue Extension: Chewing Machines
• Colorado State Dept. of Entomology: Grasshopper Foraging and Feeding Behavior