Grasshopper Dissection

This post will take you through how to dissect a grasshopper! But first, let's look at some facts about grasshoppers:

Where are they found?
Grasshoppers are found in most gardens, fields, forests and any dry land in almost any climate


What do they eat?
Grasshoppers are herbivores so they only eat plants


How do they breathe?
Grasshoppers like many other insects exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through air filled tubes called the trachea


Fun facts!
Grasshoppers make their chirping sounds by rubbing their wings together 

Tympanic membrane-is like an ear, detects the mating calls of other grasshoppers and is able to listen for predators that might be lurking nearby

Labrum-used in food selection with the use of its chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors

Mandible-captures and breaks down food

Two Compound Eyes-able to view objects but also discern the distance between them and the object, also allows them to see behind them

Femur-hind femur is extremely large due to its large amount of muscle, third segment of the leg

Tibia-segment of leg inbetween femur and the tarsus

Walking Legs-helps the grasshopper to move around and hold its prey while it eats

Tarsus-leg segment after the tibia

Wing-helps the grasshopper to take flight and cover large distances quickly, helps to protect hind legs due to its protective covering

Antennae-help the grasshopper to feel and smell what is around it