The Wonderful World of: GRASSHOPPERS
Why dissect grasshoppers in a marine biology class? HEY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?
Three reasons: 1. They’re cheap and easy to buy 2. They’re large for insects, so it’s relatively easy to see their body parts (anatomical structure) 3. They are generic insects (non-specialized), so they represent typical insect and arthropod characteristics clearly
vs.
Order Orthoptera straight wings Other orthopterans:
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Orthoptera Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Orthoptera Family: Romaleidae Genus: Romalea
External Anatomy of a Grasshopper
How do you know this animal is an insect? 3. 4. 5. 2. 1.
“facial” features Compound eyes Simple eye
antenna Labrum (upper lip)
1. 2. 3. 4.
mandible
labial palp labium
Are grasshoppers edible?
THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!