Grasshopper

[DavidC]

Hello,

I was walking outside today when I saw a large grasshopper on the sidewalk. It was a really light brown colour (like sand), and just sitting there. I decided to take a peek at it, as it wasn't moving and it had its wings slightly spread, just under the wings you could see its body, and it was black (not sure if this was just shadow).

Anyways, I figured that this might be just the exoskeleton of the insect (when insects grow they sometimes split out of their shell, let their new shell dry, and then continue their growth), but when I tried to move it with my shoe the grasshopper resisted being turned over, and started moving its legs and stuff, but not making any moves to escape.

Once I figured out that it was alive I left.

However, I'm curious as to what you guys think was going on with that grasshopper, if anyone knows.

I mean, it was just sitting there, and didn't appear to have much energy, so I can think of a few things:

-ingested pesticide/herbicide
-mortally wounded
-had mated and was dying of old age (insects do die of old age)
-middle of the day and it was just conserving energy?
-was mocking me

I'm not going to put up a poll, but I'm curious if anyone has any training in biology or would otherwise have an answer.

--Dave.

[BillNye]

for what reason did you feel that taking it to the vet was not the right move in this situation?

[SpearsBritney]

maybe he finally succumed to the overwhelming futility of being a grasshopper. fulfill his last wish.

[DavidC]

[ QUOTE ]
maybe he finally succumed to the overwhelming futility of being a grasshopper. fulfill his last wish.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nah, killing stuff just to satisfy curiousity is a little disturbing.