Grasshopper (Romalea)
Background
Grasshoppers are widespread in the United States, they are most prominent in the fall months. Found in areas with grasses, vacant lots, and gardens. Grasshoppers are herbivores so they manly feed on grasses. Grasshoppers have holes on their abdomens and thorax called spiracles. They have an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between their tissues (called tracheal breathing). In the early stages of a grasshopper's life, they do not have wings. However, as they mature, they develop wings. They are visible as small pads at the end of the thorax.
External Anatomy
Head
Antennae - located on the head above the mouth. Is used like a human's nose, but senses odors, touch, humidity, vibration, wind velocity, and wind direction.
Compound eyes - (2) can see shape, color, movement and distance.
Simple eyes - can only detect light intensity
Thorax
Legs - There are both walking and leaping legs. The four walking legs are located toward the front of the thorax, and the two leaping legs are located toward the back.
Abdomen
Ovipositer (females) - Where tube is located to deliver eggs
Spiracles - used to breathe
Internal Anatomy
Dorsal Blood Vessel - heart
Tracheae - network of air tubes
Ganglia - bundle of nerve cells
Crop - stores food
Gizzard - grinds food with chittinous plates
Intestine - transports waste through the digestive system from the ind gut to the rectum
Malpighian Tubules - removes chemical waste from the blood
Rectum - passageway for digested waste from the intestine to the anus
Incision Guide
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