Grasshoppers
Sunday Dec 4th, 2011 (updated)
There are more than 10,000 species of grasshoppers can be found anywhere on the Planet Earth, except in the north and south pole regions, where the temperatures are extremely low.
They are predominantly found in the tropical and temperate regions and can be observed flying around in meadows, fields and just about any place, they can find leaves to munch on. They are pests!
This baby bug only measures about 12mm [approx 1/2 inch] in length. The biggest Grasshoppers are up to nearly 10 times longer [11.5 cm or 4.5 inches). Their long hind legs are used for hopping and jumping. The short front legs are used to hold prey and to walk.
The one shown below is rather a 'flowerhopper'. Shot this little green creature red handed while eating bird of paradise flower petal.
They are predominantly found in the tropical and temperate regions and can be observed flying around in meadows, fields and just about any place, they can find leaves to munch on. They are pests!
This baby bug only measures about 12mm [approx 1/2 inch] in length. The biggest Grasshoppers are up to nearly 10 times longer [11.5 cm or 4.5 inches). Their long hind legs are used for hopping and jumping. The short front legs are used to hold prey and to walk.
The one shown below is rather a 'flowerhopper'. Shot this little green creature red handed while eating bird of paradise flower petal.
Like all insects, the grasshoppers have three main body parts - the head, the thorax and the abdomen. They have six jointed legs, two pairs of wings and two antennae. Their body is covered with a hard exoskeleton. Grasshoppers breathe through a series of holes called 'spiracles' which are located along the sides of the body. Most grasshoppers are green, brown, or olive-green in colors.
Head - is of course at the front end of the grasshoppers body and is the location of the brain, the two compound eyes, the mouth parts, and the points of attachment of its two antennae.
Compound Eyes on a grasshopper are quite similar to CCD/CMOS on digital cameras. Each Compound eye and CCD/CMOS is a group of thousands of participates and millions of light-sensitive 'sensors' respectively that capture light, color and brightness.
The Compound eyes on grasshoppers are used for a broader spectrum of vision and sharper image, where their simple eyes are used to detect light and shadow.
Zuiko 50mm f1.2 + 28mm barrel extension @ f5.6 1/200sec ISO 100
Thorax - the middle area of the grasshoppers body where the legs and wings are attached.
Abdomen - the segmented tail area of a grasshopper, which contains the heart, reproductive organs, and most of the digestive system.
Head - is of course at the front end of the grasshoppers body and is the location of the brain, the two compound eyes, the mouth parts, and the points of attachment of its two antennae.
Compound Eyes on a grasshopper are quite similar to CCD/CMOS on digital cameras. Each Compound eye and CCD/CMOS is a group of thousands of participates and millions of light-sensitive 'sensors' respectively that capture light, color and brightness.
The Compound eyes on grasshoppers are used for a broader spectrum of vision and sharper image, where their simple eyes are used to detect light and shadow.
Zuiko 50mm f1.2 + 28mm barrel extension @ f5.6 1/200sec ISO 100
Abdomen - the segmented tail area of a grasshopper, which contains the heart, reproductive organs, and most of the digestive system.
Yes... the heart of a grasshopper is in its abdomen!
