The Grasshopper: An Immense Geometry Defier

One cannot fail to be awed by the humble grasshopper. It is perhaps best known for its leaping prowess and its bright green coloring and is a vital part of the many ecosystems that exist around the world. Because they can almost always be found resting on leaves, they are an integral source of both food for predators as well as cause of considerable annoyance due to having exceptional camouflage.

Sporting long hind legs adapted for jumping, grasshoppers can jump as far as 20 times their body length. This type of physical adaptation assists them during escapes from danger as well as during regular movements. They also possess strong mandibles which enables them to eat different plant life including grass, which is helpful in the breakdown of plant communities.

Grasshoppers are at the same time important parts of the food chain. They are hunted for by avian species, reptiles, as well as small mammals and this favors the diversity of life. The sounds produced by grasshoppers by rubbing their wings together create a dominant theme during the warm summer nights and indicate a myriad of activity.

Watching grasshoppers in their environment makes one realize the relationships between the components of the ecosystem. They remind us of nature, how every part, even the smallest creature, can affect the environment. Appreciate the grasshoppers and what they contribute to the world.