#grasshopper physiology

[freddieandersen]

entomologists hate them! local 20-something forgets basic insect facts

[tenth-sentence]

3. Chewing insects, such as caterpillars (the larvae of moths and butterflies), grasshoppers, and beetles, cause the most significant damage to plants.

"Plant Physiology and Development" int'l 6e - Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A.

[satanic-fruitcake]

6 notes? yeah that’ll do.

spoilers for… everything, all throughout, specifically The Peacekeeper Wars. Also a warning for a bit of mild sanism toward the end, used only for dramatic effect.

I’ll start this off with a general farscape world building theory, and that’s that most, if not all, of the less imaginatively designed species in farscape are simply like that because they’re part Sebacean. Descendants of Sebacean cross-breeding programs from when the Eidolons were trying to make adjustments to their physiology. the Baniks and Kalish, as well as many others, are the living results of this.

Over the thousands of cycles that have passed since these races came around, they’ve evolved, and devolved in completely unexpected ways, (more on that later) and their numbers have grown far greater than the Peacekeepers wanted. This is why, in the present, the PK’s oppose contamination so strongly. And why the Baniks and Kalish are conquered species’s, and kept in servitude. they’re a “mistake”.

I unfortunately don’t have any solid ideas about Kalish, (they have a pinkness about them, and look vaguely reptilian? i was thinking maybe the Pathfinders, but. ehhh.)

The Baniks however. Are none other than descendants of the Sebaceans and Eidolons themselves.

To explain this, i’m gonna need to talk about our beloved leather-clad half Sebacean half Scarran Scorpy.

Scarrans interrogate people by radiating immense heat that, somehow, makes people tell the truth. (this is farscape, don’t ask don’t tell) The Prodigal Grasshopper doesn’t have this ability, but he has something just as good. An unexpected result of his breeding gives him a built in lie detector. The Scarran’s ability is external, Scorpius’s ability is internal.

Eidolons bring peace externally because they emit a glow that evokes a feeling of calm and neutrality. Baniks inherited an internal version of this ability. “outsiders think that we do not feel, but it’s only that our feelings don’t always show.”

i think this makes sense with how Yondolaow addressed Stark with… familiarity, almost? he understood that him being a Stykera meant that he understood the psyche of those he passes over. This could also effect how Stark Wigged The Fuck Out when absorbing Yondolaow’s knowledge. And also why it worked, instead him just spontaneously combusting or something.

Now, about the Stykera. Stark’s character profile claims that a Stykera is simply a particularly special sub-species if Banik. I think that’s bullshit, in the sense that it’s a common, galaxy-wide misconception, and that there are even some Baniks who don’t know the truth. Also, i just kinda find that explanation boring. So, my theory is this:

this next part is in direct contradiction to Stark referring to his own body as a “molecular creation” but i’ll be honest. i just don’t give a shit.

The Stykera are different race to Baniks entirely. A formless, non-corporeal race who can only live in this realm by finding a body to house their soul. The Baniks, for whatever reason, perhaps their mental abilities and stoic fortitude, perhaps their peaceful ways due to their connection to Eidolons, are the only species able to house them.

The transference of souls - or possession, whatever word you prefer - happens at birth. The Stykera’s soul and the Banik child’s just. swap places. with the Banik starting the process of becoming a Stykera. Energy, able to view our realm but not experience it until however many cycles it takes for the Stykera inhabiting their body to die. They’re then transferred, randomly, into a Banik being born. and the cycle continues.

now we go into general headcanon territory.

This viewing of the world is vital, because so is their duty to the dying. and the only preparation Stykera get for the real world. and, hey, it’s more than humans get. Unfortunately, if Stykera are anything inherently, it’s emotional. empathetic. easily overwhelmed. They have an utter inability to develop a thick skin, to become desensitised, because it would interfere with their duty. Selflessly giving souls passage to the other side at the detriment to your own sanity requires boundless empathy. Banik wilful stoicism doesn’t come naturally to them, it has to be learned, with time, nurture and great self control. all of these are difficult to come by in slavery. Not to mention how few and far between Stykera are. Stark’s ability to achieve calmness and serenity when performing his duty is the best you can expect. from as early as birth, Stykera are so rarely sane.

…. so that’s my theory! thanks so much of you’ve read this far, please reblog if you like because ive had this rattling around in my head for months and it’s 2:40 am because it’s taken me nearly two hours to finally get it written down.

[buggbuzz]

i think they were specifically surprised to learn you aren't into speculative biology, like inventing your own alien creatures!

OHHHHHHHH

i didnt know that was what it was called actually! but i am into it, i'm just usually too lazy to follow through. i've been working on and off on this concept for an insectoid alien species where i challenge myself to give them anatomy as insect-like as possible while still being vaguely humanoid, AND making their physiology arguably reasonable. like "could this actually evolve" and "would this system actually function" and "what selective pessures could possibly push an insectoid species to evolve this way."

i really wanna incorporate a tracheal respiratory system and an open circulatory system (mostly referenced from grasshoppers since thats the example i had in school) which is really hard considering theyre EXTREMELY inefficient for an animal as big as a human and shaped like a human!! also, i imagine breathing through your sides makes it hard to wear clothes, especially space suits. oh, and should it convergently evolve an adaptive immune system like mammals have, since they would have a much higher need for a better immune system than an insect does? and how do i circumvent whatever pressures insects to die so fast and stay so small anyways?

very very fun stuff, even if it usually stays in my files and text message rants. but maybe when i work on it again i'll post it, since apparently people are actually interested in that.

[otenvs3000f23]

Week 1

BLOG PROMPT: Describe your current relationship with nature. How has this developed/evolved? Who offered you “a sense of place,” as described in our textbook?

Hello, my fellow nature interpreters!

I look forward to getting to know you all through sharing our thoughts on Tumblr – I honestly forgot this platform even existed! Nonetheless, I wish you all luck in your studies and am excited for this semester with you!

Do you guys ever think about the things that have shaped who you are and your interests? What influences and experiences made me who I am today? If you’re anything like me and coming up to your ‘quarterly-life crisis’, you might spend countless hours pondering (and stressing) over who you are and what you’re meant to do; what is going to bring me happiness and a sense of meaning? At least for me, I think this is where the natural world comes into play in my life.

Let us begin…

For as long as I can remember, I could always be found reading some book or encyclopedia on wildlife. I’ve always been fascinated by animal behaviour, animal physiology, wildlife conservation, and pretty much anything animal-related. Was anyone else obsessed with BBC’s Earth nature documentaries? I would argue that David Attenborough must be one of the best nature interpreters of our time. He encapsulated millions by sharing breathtaking landscapes and all the life that depends upon it. His impassioned rhetoric brings meaning to conservation efforts and displays the beauty of our home. His documentaries profoundly enriched my admiration and awareness of the fragility and adaptiveness of nature. As I grew older and as my knowledge of animals expanded into the natural world and the environment, I began to notice the interconnectedness of life; I learned of issues our planet was facing, such as how climate change was affecting wildlife and biodiversity, the inequalities and ethical concerns found within so many industries, and most importantly, how utterly crucial it is to protect our beautiful little planet.

After the release of several articles all over social media explaining that we are in the ‘decisive decade’ and on the brink of the sixth mass extinction, there seemed to be nothing but bad news everywhere. Essentially every article and social media post alluded to the idea that humanity is doomed and that we’ve completely screwed up our planet. I honestly struggled with a lot of anxiety around this, and I took this issue personally (and still do).

On a side note, I like the idea that amongst chaos and ruin, nature and life on Earth will continue to rebuild itself – maybe we can look at times of hopelessness and chaos in our own lives this way, we are forever transforming and learning, perpetually being rebuilt despite it all. I think if we all look at nature as our friend instead of trying to be separate from it and viewing it as a commodity to be exploited we can instead appreciate our planet, and then perhaps we can save it too.

While I always felt that anything I did would be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I still do my best to live more sustainably and try to encourage others to do the same. After having such a defeatist mindset about the state of our planet for quite some time, I would say I grew quite proficient in appreciating the natural world around me and am in constant awe of its resiliency. If you pay attention to the beauty of it all, you too can feel a little more at peace. Take a minute to look up and be captivated by the stars at night, isn’t it neat that the longer you look, the more stars that seem to appear? Study the intricate chevron markings on the legs of a grasshopper. Stick your arms out and feel the heat from the sun on your skin and the wind blowing across your face. We come from nature, it is ingrained in who we are; so take a moment to be present and admire what our wonderful world offers – I hope it brings you as much peace as it does me.

[ognimdo2002]

Tropical Diploterro (Pseudosauropodus tropicalis) – Regal Grass Mover

“ A shaggy, grass holding queen. ”

– Rebecca Crane

Tropical Diploterro (Pseudosauropodus tropicalis) is the fictional species of cynodont introduced in Historya Davvun and Worldcraft series.

What is this grass?

The female used the grass and algae known as Diploterro's Hair Grass (Capillogramenus pseudosaurpodus), used as microhabitat for bugs and other critters on her back. The male one doesn't have, probably be ugliest.

Physiology

This synapsid resembles a sauropod, except for their feet and teeth, as a result of convergent evolution. The female one is microecology. The Tropical Diploterro has chestnut-colored skin with peach belly and limb pads, grayish nails on elephantine legs, a longer neck and tail, a low row of edges near the eyes, and ears set near the jaw. The male lacks the plant on its back; only females do.

Abilities

Diploterro had a super weight, and the limbs could cause stun, confusion, and stampede; even using their mouths caused bleeding, and the tail served as a tail. The Tropical Diploterro spits algae or plants with saliva, causing leafblight.

These fur-like structures are algae and grasses that absorbs photosynthesis, which are home to grasshoppers, moths, dragonflies, butterflies, silverfish, and springtails. The plant is called Diploterro's Hair Grass due to its relationship with algae and animals, which is involved in symbolism. This grass was considered harvestable by us, and it regrows after being harvested in just 8 days.

Behavior

The Diploterro is believed to be a land-based animal that lived in herds, similar to unrelated sauropods. Due to their extreme predisposition for violent aggression, diplodoterros will readily attack people and other carnivores.

Distribution and Habitat

The male one lived in plains, swamps, savannas, and others, and the female one was only in forests but migrated to another biome for mating.

Reference

[apn8000]

Where's the Planet. || An Epsilon Squadron Oneshot

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Space Patrol Delta's Epsilon Command Ship, also known as the Defiant Striker, was a technological marvel. Sure, on the outside, it was the shape of a silver croissant, but on the inside, it housed a marvel of engineering. Beneath its sleek, crescent-shaped exterior, the Defiant Striker boasted an array of advanced systems designed to push the boundaries of technology. Its core was a fusion reactor, compact yet powerful, capable of generating immense energy with minimal emissions. The ship's hull was composed of a state-of-the-art alloy, both incredibly durable and lightweight, allowing it to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining exceptional maneuverability.

It also housed one very ticked-off Power Ranger, whose patience ran thinner and thinner with every second.

Li Na Song paced back and forth in the briefing room, her footsteps echoing sharply against the polished metal floor. Her current expression was like if you combined an Old English Bulldog with the worst uncanny-valley Mr. Beast-style YouTube video thumbnail in the universe. The Epsilon Squadron Mobile Unit Blue Ranger activated the communication function of her sleek rectangular Morpher for what seemed like the hundredth time that hour, and she gritted her teeth when it played the familiar voicemail.

Hey, it's J.J. If you're hearing this, I'm about to die, or I'm ignoring you. Byeeeeee.

"Crash," she muttered. Her left eye twitched as she tried everything in her power not to scream and shout. "Please get me an aspirin and a megaphone."

Crash Masronk stood near the back of the room, his grasshopper-like skin beading with sweat. He couldn't afford to lose focus, not when the championship title was on the line. The Silver Ranger's beady bug eyes observed the field, his three-fingered hands gripping a cold metal bar. In a single circular motion, he flicked his wrist. 

The foosball man kicked the plastic ball into the wooden goal, scoring Crash's ninth point and winning him the game.

"Noooooooo!" cried out Crash's opponent, Sora Harlbeng, falling to the floor as she slumped in dramatic defeat. Sora's bright pink hair splayed out on the ground, and she groaned in disbelief. "How did you even get that last shot? This game is rigged!"

Crash, barely containing his glee, gave a triumphant chirp. "It's all in the wrist, Sora. All in the wrist."

"Crash. Megaphone. Now." Li Na commanded, about to pop a fuse.

"I'll get it!" Sora leaped to her feet, her earlier defeat forgotten. The Gold Ranger extended her right arm, and when it couldn't reach quite the length she was hoping for, she simply extended it even further, her Tractellurian physiology allowing for her "Super Rubberiness," as Crash had called it once. Her arm reached a nearby supply closet, where her blue hand rummaged through the cluttered shelves, tossing aside various gadgets and tools before finally emerging with a sleek, black megaphone. She retracted her arm back to her usual, comfortable length before tossing the megaphone to Li Na, who snatched it up with a barely contained snarl. 

Li Na took a deep breath, then flicked the megaphone on. The resulting feedback squeal made everyone wince, and Crash's antennae flattened against his head.

"Jason Jarvis Oliver!" Li Na's voice echoed through the ship's corridor, magnified and amplified by the megaphone. "If you don't get your butt here in the next five seconds, I will personally fly this ship into the nearest star and blame it on a rogue asteroid!"

Crash, sensing the tension in the room, tried to lighten the mood. "Come on, Li Na, maybe he's just caught up with something important."

Before Li Na could retort, the door to the briefing room slid open with a hiss, and in strolled J.J. Oliver, looking completely unbothered. He adjusted his uniform, a pep in his step and a half-eaten strawberry donut in his left hand. 

"Hey, what's up?" J.J. took a leisurely bite of his donut, crumbs falling onto his already wrinkled jacket. 

Li Na's eyes narrowed into slits. "Where. Were. You?"

J.J. took another bite of his donut, thoughtfully chewing as if considering whether or not to bother answering. "I was, uh, making sure our systems were calibrated properly. You know, standard protocol stuff." J.J. quickly stuffed his copy of "Top 20 Vehicles You'll Never Be Able to Afford" Magazine into his back pocket, away from Li Na's view. 

"Calibrating the systems?" Li Na's voice was dangerously low, her grip on the megaphone tightening. "For two hours?"

"Well, I had to make sure everything was running smoothly," J.J. said, shrugging as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He grabbed a chair and plopped down while nibbling his donut. "So, who are we going after?" He asked, kicking his feet up on the briefing table.

"Precisely," chirped Crash.

Li Na glared at J.J. with the intensity of a thousand dying stars. "Who we're going after, J.J., is not the point. The point is that you've been wasting time while the rest of us have been preparing for a mission that's critical to the safety of the entire galaxy!"

J.J. raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed. "Right, right, but if we don't know who we're going after, how can we be ready? So, seriously, who is it?"

Li Na's eye twitched again. "That's what I've been trying to tell you!"

"So tell me already," J.J. said, his tone light and teasing. "Who are we chasing?"

"Yes!" Li Na said, frustrated. "That's what I'm trying to explain!"

"No, no, no." J.J. leaned forward, wiping his fingers on his uniform. "You're supposed to tell me who we're after. Not just agree with me!"

Crash, sensing another misunderstanding brewing, decided to jump in. "J.J., listen. We're chasing Who. He's the criminal we're after."

"That's what I'm asking!" J.J. threw his hands up in exasperation. "Who's the criminal?"

"Yes!" Sora chimed in, bouncing up and down with excitement. "We're going after Who!"

J.J. blinked at them, trying to process what they were saying. "So…we know the name of the criminal?"

Li Na pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to maintain her composure. "Yes, we do."

"Good!" J.J. nodded, pleased with the progress. "So who is it?"

"Precisely!" Crash chirped, antennae flicking.

"Precisely, okay…" J.J. remarked, his head spinning. He paused briefly before speaking again, choosing his following words carefully. "So, we find Precisely—"

"No, we find Who!" Li Na yelled.

"Precisely!" J.J. responded.

"Then say it that way!"

"That's what I'm saying!"

"No, you're not!"

J.J. threw up his hands in frustration, "Then who's Precisely?!"

Li Na placed the megaphone on the table, "No. Who is Who."

"Who is Who?" J.J. repeated, puzzled. "Is this some sort of existential crisis thing? Because I'm not mentally equipped to deal with that right now. Who am I?"

Sora giggled, "No, silly!" She tapped J.J. on the shoulder, and when he was looking in the other direction, she extended an arm to snatch the remnants of his donut for herself. She booped his nose. "Who's Who. I'm Me, and You're You!"

"Wait, wait, wait," Crash interjected, "But I'm Me, too!"

"No, no, you're you." Sora insisted.

Crash nodded as if this made a ton of sense until a thought crossed his mind. "Wait, but if you're me, and I'm you, then who's he?" Crash pointed accusingly at J.J..

"Can we please just get back on topic?" Li Na held her head in her hands, rapidly losing her sense of sanity.

"Oh, I get it, now," Crash whispered to Sora, who was enjoying the donut she stole from J.J. far too much for her own good, "I'm me. You're you, and she's a buzzkill."

"I CAN HEAR YOU!"

J.J. took a deep breath, trying to regain control of the situation, "Okay, so whoever we're chasing—" 

"You don't have to add 'ever' after his name, J.J. It's just Who!" Sora clapped her hands together, almost dropping her stolen donut before Crash caught it for her.

J.J. simply chose to ignore that comment. "Where is he?"

"Precisely!" Crash piped up, antennae flicking with excitement.

"No, no, don't start this again," J.J. said, pointing at Crash. "I just want to know where he is."

Li Na rubbed her temples, feeling a headache brewing. "He's on Where."

J.J. stared at her blankly. "Where?"

"Yes," Li Na replied, a strained smile on her face.

J.J. scratched his head, visibly confused. "Who's on Where?"

"The planet? Yes," Li Na continued.

"Where's the planet?!" J.J. yelled.

"Precisely," Crash said for the sixth time in this conversation.

"Wait, I thought that was the name of the criminal."

"No," Li Na uttered. "The criminal's name is Who."

"Precisely!" J.J. yelled.

"Then say it that way!"

"I'm saying it the way you're saying it!"

"Hey, Crash. Why do you keep saying that word, anyway?" Sora whispered, trying to law low. J.J. and Li Na looked like they were going to kill each other, getting very close to Crash to use an Orthropterrier shield just in case. 

"Oh, no reason," Crash replied, his smile beaming with pure contentedness. No one had to know that if you tried to flip to the word, Precisely, in the Epsilon dictionary, the paper was mysteriously shredded with teeth marks. No one.

J.J. groaned, rubbing his temples. "Why is this so difficult? Just tell me where!"

"We just did," Crash said helpfully.

"Where?"

"Precisely."

J.J. threw his arms up in despair. "No! Where is Who?"

"Ohhhhhh," Sora realized, her eyes lighting up. She laughed to herself, briefly facepalming before rolling her chair to the other side of the table. She tapped Li Na's shoulder, catching the Blue Ranger's attention before she absolutely fried her brain.

"I think J.J. is asking where the planet is, y'know, geographically," Sora explained, her voice slightly hesitant as if she was trying to navigate a minefield carefully. "Like, in the star system. He wants to know where Where is."

"Exactly!" J.J. exclaimed, seizing onto Sora's explanation like a lifeline. "Thank you, Sora! Someone here understands!"

Li Na blinked, her fingers twitching as she resisted the urge to hurl the megaphone across the room. "Okay, fine. It's in the I Don't Know cluster."

J.J. tilted his head, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Wait a minute…you don't know where the planet is? You're supposed to be the one who's briefing us!"

Li Na sighed deeply, her patience now wholly evaporated. "No, J.J., I know where the planet is. It's in the I Don't Know Cluster."

J.J. stared at her, then at Crash, then back at Li Na. "So you're saying we're heading to a cluster that you don't know about?"

"Yes—no!" Li Na caught herself. "I know about it, but it's called the I Don't Know Cluster."

J.J. raised an eyebrow. "So, where are we going?"

"I just told you!"

"No, you told me you don't know where we're going."

Li Na took a deep, steadying breath. "Listen very carefully, J.J. We are going to the I Don't Know Cluster. It's a star cluster. The name of the star cluster is I Don't Know."

J.J. rubbed his temples, trying to suppress the growing headache. "Okay, okay. Let me get this straight. We're chasing Who, who's on the planet Where, and that planet is in the I Don't Know Cluster."

"Precisely!" Crash and J.J. yelled at the same time. "Haha, you can't get me this time, buddy!" J.J. said, looking as if he was on the verge of either breaking into hysterical laughter or committing space homicide. 

"And I thought this mission was going to be simple…" J.J. muttered to himself. "Okay, I get it. Now, what are we after?"

"What?" Li Na asked, confused.

"The artifact!" J.J. threw his hands up. "What's the artifact that Who is trying to steal?"

"I'm going to get a slushie," Sora announced to no one in particular, hopping out of her seat. The door opened as she made her way to the snack bar, her footsteps drowned out by confusion.

"What," Li Na said again, with a straight face.

"Yes! What is it?"

"Precisely!" 

J.J. leaped over to Crash's table and grabbed his Epsilon Max Blaster, pointing the barrel directly into the Silver Ranger's mandibles. "I hope you value your mouth because unless Li Na tells me what the artifact that low-life criminal is trying to get his grubby paws on."

Li Na rubbed her forehead. "The artifact is What."

J.J. blinked, staring at Li Na as if she'd just spoken in an alien language. "The artifact is…What?"

"Yes," Li Na replied, her voice almost robotic from exhaustion.

"So, let me get this straight," J.J. said, his tone cautious as he pieced it together. "I don't know where we're going, who we're chasing, and what they're after." 

"Precisely."

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

J.J. grabbed Crash by his thorax and hoisted him off the ground. The Silver Ranger's legs flailed helplessly, his antennae twitching in sheer panic. The two quickly became a pile of pure violence, kicking, punching, and shouting at each other, with J.J. threatening to dismantle every joint in Crash's exoskeleton. At the same time, Crash squealed and buzzed in protest, his wings flapping frantically. 

Amidst the chaos, Li Na just stood there, her patience fully depleted, staring at the two of them with a mix of disbelief and resignation. She stared into the proverbial camera, looking directly at you, yes, you, the viewer, with a deadpan expression, simply raising an eyebrow before leaping off the table and joining in the violence.

The door to the briefing room slid open with a hiss and some air, revealing the Gold Ranger holding a blue raspberry slushie. Sora stood in the doorway for a minute, utterly oblivious to the chaos unraveling right in front of her because of the deliciousness of her slushie. The sounds of slurping exceeded those of the violence. When she finally did look up, she blinked twice, slurped her slushie some more, turned around, and then walked in the other direction, humming a merry tune.

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Sometime Later:

The Planet Where was primarily made up of hot desert terrain, orange plains, and plateaus as far as the eye could see. Cacti sprung from the ground, and not a day went by without a local complaining about the blistering heat from the many stars in the I Don't Know cluster that shone even in the daytime. This climate was particularly fitting, as the Wherereans' culture mainly followed something akin to Earth's Wild West: small villages with saloons, horseback riding being the main form of transportation, though the horses here had 14 legs, heck, they even had cowboys!

On this particular day, a mole-like creature maniacally laughed as he held up a red crystal in glory. The Epsilon Squadron Power Rangers surrounding him reached for their weapons, ready to fire at any moment. 

"Oh, I wouldn't be too hasty," taunted the notorious Wherean criminal, Who Dunnit. He grabbed his pistol from his back, his fingers laced around the trigger as he reveled in the jewel's radiating glory. "You Rangers underestimate the power of What. With it, I'll be able to rule the whole galaxy, and then everyone will know the name of Who!"

"Wait…" Crash paused, "Who?" "PRECISELY!"

J.J. charged up his two Epsilon Max Blasters; one pointed at Crash and the other at Who. "I'm going to give you both a five-second headstart."

[1solone]

Arilus cristatus. The wheel bug…of death. A very large bug whose impales other insects, injects them wiht liquids that dissolve the insides of those insects, and then sucks it back up. I have wondered… what if we used these same chemicals as tenderizers for meat (side thought. Probably would not work given how different insect vs. vertebrate physiology and meatology is) or, perhaps, if one were to get more into eating insects you would pre-soak grasshoppers with wheel bug juice (look a new garnish for the table!) or just fill a container with unwanted bycatch from your insect lights, radiator grills, and beetle traps … would that taste better? Digest better?. So many things to learn from insects. Collected by Ashley Bradford, who lived to see another day.🦗🕷 🐌🐝🐞🦟🦂🐛🐜

[ainews]

Whether grasshoppers are outerwear aficionados or not, it turns out that their physiology rewards them for wearing jackets. The reason? Jacket material, particularly artificial nylon fabric, is uniquely suited to serve the same function as a grasshopper's own "horns".

Most grasshoppers have thick plates on their heads, known as horns, which help the insect to successfully protect itself from predators. The horns also provide a sturdy foundation for sensory organs to gather important environmental cues. This means that having horns keeps a grasshopper informed about their surroundings and safe from potential threats. Given the importance of horns to a grasshopper’s survival, it’s easy to understand why grasshoppers would be drawn to fabrics that resemble their own horns.

Fortunately, many materials like nylon are corneous—just like the protection horns offer. This makes jackets an ideal protection mechanism for grasshoppers. The material is thick and durable, defending the small insect from the elements, predators, and other dangers in the environment. In fact, artificial grasshopper jackets made from this kind of fabric have been found to raise the insect’s lifespan by up to five years.

Ultimately, the corneous nature of many fabrics, especially nylon, makes them a great choice of protective material for grasshoppers. So if you’re ever wondering why little grasshoppers may be seen sporting jackets, it’s because these materials offer them the same protection as their own horns.

[bethanyhamiltonsstuff]

Can Hamsters eat Crickets? Feeding a Healthy Diet & Care Advice

 Can Hamsters consume Crickets? Is it okay to occasionally feed a hamster live crickets and mealworms from the pet store?

Yes. Crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms can be safely fed to hamsters, albeit not all hamsters prefer live food.

Information on Nutrition

Crickets, sometimes known as insects, are widely regarded as a viable protein source for a wide range of animals, including hamsters. The nutritional profile of crickets comprises the following items:

Crickets are abundant in protein, making them an interesting alternative for hamster diet supplementation. Protein is essential for muscle development, maintenance, and overall health.

Crickets have a significant amount of fat, which gives energy to hamsters.

Crickets are high in vitamins, especially B vitamins, which aid in metabolism and immune function.

Crickets include minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, which are necessary for hamster physiological activities.

The Advantages of Feeding Hamster Crickets

High-Quality Protein: The high protein content of crickets can benefit hamsters, especially young or pregnant hamsters that have higher protein requirements.

Natural Foraging activity: Feeding live crickets to hamsters can encourage their natural foraging activity while also giving cerebral stimulation.

diversity in Diet: Including crickets as a treat on occasion can help minimize boredom and boost overall health by providing diversity in the hamster's diet.

Potential Hazards of Feeding Crickets to Hamsters

Choking Hazard: Because live crickets are relatively large in proportion to the size of a hamster's throat, they might represent a choking hazard if feeding is not carefully watched.

Pathogens or parasites: Live crickets may transport parasites or pathogens hazardous to hamsters. It is vital to get crickets from reliable providers to prevent this risk.

Is it safe to feed crickets to hamsters?

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? Crickets are typically regarded as safe for hamster consumption, particularly when bought from reliable sources that ensure they are produced in sanitary circumstances. However, they must be treated as a pleasure rather than a staple in the diet.

Can Hamsters Consume Crickets?

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? Yes, hamsters can digest crickets since their digestive systems are well-equipped to absorb insect-based protein sources.

Cricket Poisoning Symptoms in Hamsters

Because crickets are generally harmless when fed in moderation, the risk of poisoning is low. Overfeeding crickets, on the other hand, can cause symptoms like:

Excessive eating of crickets might result in digestive discomfort, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Lethargy: If a hamster eats too many crickets, it may become lethargic or less active.

Prevent Hamsters from Eating Crickets By Accident

When feeding live crickets to your hamster, always supervise the feeding procedure to minimize any inadvertent escapes or choking hazards. Keeping crickets in a feeding dish or enclosure allows you to keep track of how much they eat.

How Many Crickets Can a Hamster Eat?

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? The number of crickets you can give your hamster depends on aspects like its size, age, and dietary needs. Treats like crickets should account for no more than 10% of your hamster's daily diet consumption. Their main diet should consist of high-quality commercial hamster chow and a variety of safe fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains.

Feeding Moderation and Frequency

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? It is preferable to feed hamsters crickets in moderation. It's great to treat yourself to them once or twice a week in small amounts.

Supplements and Alternatives

OTHER APPROPRIATE FOODS:

Apples (seedless), bananas, blueberries, and strawberries are all fruit that is safe to eat.

Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli (in moderation) are all safe veggies to consume.

Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, and whole wheat are all nutritious grains and seeds.

Foods that are commercially accessible include:

High-quality commercial hamster food is particularly prepared to fulfill the nutritional demands of hamsters. It is a well-balanced combination of seeds, grains, and important elements.

Dietary Variability:

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? A wide variety of safe diets ensures that hamsters get all of the nutrients they need for good health. Variety also promotes both mental and physical development.

Finally, can Hamsters eat Crickets?

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? In conclusion, crickets can be a nutritious and pleasurable treat for hamsters when fed in moderation. They are high in protein and can encourage natural behaviors. However, crickets should not be used in place of hamsters' main diet, which should include a variety of safe fruits, vegetables, seeds, and grains as well as high-quality commercial hamster food.

Some Closing Thoughts on Feeding Hamster Crickets

Can Hamsters consume Crickets? Feeding crickets to your hamsters may be a gratifying experience because it provides mental stimulation as well as variety in their diet. Always oversee the feeding process and make sure the crickets are bought from trusted sources to avoid choking concerns.

The Importance of Seeking Dietary Advice from a Veterinarian

For specialized advice on your hamster's nutrition or health concerns, consult a veterinarian who specializes in small animal care. Regular veterinary exams are necessary to evaluate your hamster's overall health and to ensure that it is receiving the best possible care and nourishment.

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

When it comes to legends of grasshopper cinema, the undisputed master is/was Gregor who appeared in the giant grasshopper epic Beginning of the End, starring Peter Graves. The film depicts an invasion of giant grasshoppers rather than ants, as in H.G. Wells' novel.

In "Beginning of the End," Peter Graves plays the role of Dr. Ed Wainwright, an entomologist who becomes embroiled in a crisis when agricultural experiments go fubar. Due to a series of accidents involving radiation, ordinary grasshoppers grow to an enormous size. These giant grasshoppers start rampaging across the countryside, devouring crops, and posing a threat to human lives.

As the grasshoppers continue their destructive path, Dr. Wainwright teams up with a photojournalist named Audrey Aimes, portrayed by Peggy Castle. Together, they work to find a solution to the crisis and halt the devastating onslaught of the giant grasshoppers.

The movie features scenes of action, suspense, and attempts to combat the monstrous insects. "Beginning of the End" is a classic example of 1950s sci-fi B-movies, known for their low-budget special effects and creature features.

Before exploring the career of Gregor, the biggest of all grasshopper movie stars, let's begin with a faulty non sequitur.

"If locusts are a type of grasshopper (Condition A), then they must have the ability to swarm (Result B), which means they can cause widespread crop destruction (Result C)."

In this faulty example:

Condition A: Incorrectly assuming that locusts are a type of grasshopper.

Result B: Erroneously concluding that all locusts must have the ability to swarm.

Result C: Falsely assuming that all locusts, as a result of swarming ability, can cause widespread crop destruction.

This faulty construction presents flawed assumptions and logical errors. While locusts and grasshoppers are related insect species, not all grasshoppers are locusts, and not all locusts necessarily exhibit swarming behavior. Additionally, not all locusts cause widespread crop destruction, as swarming and crop devastation depend on various factors such as population density, environmental conditions, and the specific species involved.

Locusts and grasshoppers are routinely confused for one another. Not many people while away summer days trying to figure out whether or not a grasshopper is a locus or vice versa not even the evil kid geniuses down the street who delight pulling off grasshopper legs and"observing" them struggle to move before finally dropping them into a bowl of water to see if they could swim etc.

So let's clarify

Locusts and grasshoppers are both members of the same insect order, they share many similarities in terms of appearance and behavior. However, there are a few key differences between them: The main distinction between locusts and grasshoppers lies in their behavior. Locusts have the ability to undergo a physiological and behavioral transformation called "gregarious phase," where they exhibit swarming behavior and form large, destructive groups called swarms. These swarms can cause significant damage to crops and vegetation. Grasshoppers, on the other hand, are typically solitary insects and do not exhibit this swarm behavior.

Despite their similarities, in popular culture grasshoppers are good guys while locusts are bad guys.

The grasshopper is traditionally portrayed as a laid-back, easygoing character who spends his days leisurely chewing tobacco. They are depicted as harmless and friendly, with no intention of causing harm to anyone. The grasshoppers are content with their relaxed lifestyle, enjoying the simple pleasures of life without any malicious intent.

This characterization emphasizes the grasshopper's nonchalant and peaceful nature. They are depicted as a carefree individuals who prefers to mind their own business and not interfere with others. Their choice of chewing tobacco adds a unique quirk to their personality, suggesting a laid-back demeanor and perhaps a touch of southern charm.

While this characterization portrays the grasshopper as a "good guy" who does no harm, it's important to note that in reality, grasshoppers are herbivorous insects that feed on plants and crops. Their feeding habits can occasionally lead to crop damage, which can impact agricultural livelihoods. However, in our fictional context, the emphasis is on the grasshopper's relaxed and harmless existence rather than their ecological role.

The locust is depicted as a menacing and destructive antagonist, embodying the role of a "bad guy" a cunning and relentless insect, driven by insatiable hunger and a desire to decimate crops and vegetation. With its swarming behavior, the locust aims to cause widespread destruction and chaos wherever it goes.

This characterization highlights the locust's ability to coordinate with other locusts, forming massive swarms that move with strategic precision. The locust is portrayed as an intelligent and adaptable creature, capable of exploiting environmental conditions to maximize its impact.

The locust's actions are motivated by self-interest, disregarding the well-being and livelihoods of humans and the natural environment. It takes advantage of its voracious appetite, consuming vast quantities of crops and leaving devastation in its wake.

This portrayal emphasizes the locust's negative impact on agriculture and its potential to disrupt ecosystems and economies. The locust is positioned as a formidable adversary, embodying the destructive forces of nature that can bring hardship and suffering to human communities.

Okkayy now back to the beginning/ "End of the Beginning"

If you're gonna make a film with a limited budget about gigantic grasshoppers/locusts.....you're gonna want locusts not grasshoppers. Furthermore, only 200 locusts can be brought into California and they must all be male.

The locusts will have to be separated from the grasshoppers and the males separated from the females. will have to be sexed. How the hell do you sex a locust?

Determining the sex of grasshoppers or locusts can be a time-consuming process, especially if a large number of insects need to be assessed individually. The exact duration would depend on the experience of the personnel involved, the efficiency of the methods used, and the cooperation of the insects being examined.

Typically, sexing grasshoppers or locusts involves observing and examining specific characteristics, such as the shape of the abdomen or the presence of reproductive structures. If experienced handlers are performing the task, they can examine each individual insect relatively quickly.

Assuming a moderate pace and considering that 200 locusts need to be sexed, it could take several hours to a full day to complete the process thoroughly. This estimation allows for careful examination, potential difficulties in distinguishing certain characteristics, and any additional steps required, such as recording the sex or handling the insects appropriately.

It's important to note that the duration could be longer if the individuals performing the sexting are less experienced or if the insects are particularly challenging to assess due to their size, behavior, or specific species characteristics.

Not a lot of people have a degree in grasshopper sexting.

Out of millions of possible locusts, 200 were chosen to appear in the movie. While waiting to be used, the locusts were kept in a specially designed locust cage. Imagine the vibes in that cage. 200 male locust without a female in sight and very little room to hop. The locusts became cannibals.

The cage was designed with transparent walls, allowing for clear visibility of the locusts' behavior. The cannibalistic nature of the caged locusts emerged as they engaged in aggressive encounters, attacking and consuming their fellow locusts within the limited space.

The behavior of the locusts included aggressive lunging, devouring one another's body parts, while engaging in territorial disputes. The presence of the cage prevented the locusts from escaping or dispersing, intensifying the confrontations among them.

200 locusts entered the cage....only 12 emerged. Gregor was 1 of the 12.

[alaija]

Locusts are grasshoppers. It’s certain species that go into a swarming phase, which has physiological changes.

Mecca hit by “plague of locusts” during Ramadan rainfall

Videos posted after the rainstorm showed thousands of black bugs crawling on the white stone floor of the the Great Mosque, the holiest mosque in all of Islam. The videos identified the bugs as both cockroaches and grasshoppers. 🤔

[tennesseeroulette]

Saw a post about how locusts are the result of grasshoppers undergoing immense stress, crowding, and starvation. How crazy is it that a species can undergo a change in their looks, their physiology, and become all around more aggressive due to stuff like that. Anyway

[usgsbiml]

Arilus cristatus. The wheel bug...of death.  A very large bug whose impales other insects, injects them wiht liquids that dissolve the insides of those insects, and then sucks it back up.  I have wondered... what if we used these same chemicals as tenderizers for meat (side thought.  Probably would not work given how different insect vs. vertebrate physiology and meatology is) or, perhaps, if one were to get more into eating insects you would pre-soak grasshoppers with wheel bug juice (look a new garnish for the table!) or just fill a container with unwanted bycatch from your insect lights, radiator grills, and beetle traps ... would that taste better?  Digest better?.  So many things to learn from insects.  Collected by Ashley Bradford, who lived to see another day.

[tribbetherium]

The Early Rodentocene: 1-5 million years post-establishment

Speaking of Species: The Process of Speciation

The sudden introduction of a new species into a world without any checks on their population was certainly not to start as a fruitful one. With no predators, competition or environmental restrictions to their numbers, the initial conquest would nearly end in disaster, and snuff out this developing world, before it could even begin.

Populations would explode into the millions, as the hamsters fed on the rich abundance of plants, seeds and insects, decimating their populations until there wasn't enough to sustain the ravenous rodents, who would quickly starve en masse. This would lead to a significant number of plant and invertebrate extinctions early on, unable to adapt to the onslaught of an outside-context problem. But others would persist, and some hamsters would survive, and the process would repeat itself all over: a cycle of boom-and-bust that would greatly alter the ecosystems in the first few millenia.

By 10,000 years, however, the hamsters had reached an equilibrium in the planet: the organisms they fed upon had adapted to their presence: either by better fleeing them, better defending against them, or simply reproducing in such astounding quantities that they could not all be consumed. As such, the hamsters bred fewer and their populations leveled off as the ecosystem evolved to keep them in check, nature fending off what could have become a disastrous introduction of an invasive species, into a brand new order, where the former invaders were just another piece of the ecological puzzle.

But the rapid rises and falls of the hamster population would have another, and far more impactful, effect on the history of the planet's evolution. Since the populations at their lowest would require a significant amount of inbreeding to rebound, mutations began to arise in the population. Serious, deleterious abnormalities that brought crippling diseases would quickly be weeded out: but others, more subtle and beneficial, even, would gradually form the catalyst to greater changes.

A few genes here and there would alter the hamsters' physiology, in a myriad of assorted different ways. The unusual mutants were still one species, but they had various traits that were mixed and matched among them, for better or for worse, and some combinations would become advantageous for a specific population, become stable as their descendants bred true, and soon would become their own distinct subspecies.

And for the next five million years, this mixing and matching of this evolutionary mess would provide the catalysts for the evolution of the planet. A bigger-eared, light-colored hamster could lose more heat in a hotter climate, and thus survive in an arid biome where others could not. A hamster with longer limbs and a longer balancing tail could become better at climbing trees. A larger hamster would be able to find more food, defend against competitors, or even prey upon other hamsters as food. And so, as their behavioral traits became more defined to suit their physiological advantages, they started using these to avoid competition, exploiting and specializing on one food source that others did not: the partitioning of niches.

Eventually these drifts would cause their genes to become less compatible, and for their behavior to favor those matings that occured within their own subspecies. Hybridized offspring became less viable and soon were impossible altogether as the different populations' chromosomes could no longer match with each other properly: by this point, they had become completely separate species, which could only reproduce with their own kind, or produce crossbred offspring that couldn't reproduce themselves, keeping the gene pools separate.

As the beneficial mutations accumulated in the different species that had arisen, they would in turn diverge further from one another as they each adapted to a new lifestyle that had less competition from others. There were numerous food sources to be exploited in the planet's diverse ecosystems, and each species that could specialize to take better advantage of each resource had better chances of thriving and passing on their genes.

And with similar problems came similar solutions: as each species of hamster evolved to exploit each food source, they would develop adaptations that were uncannily similar to those of unrelated species back on Earth: convergent evolution. Many of the hamster species would quickly converge on other Earth rodents: seed-eaters similar to groundhogs and dormice stashed food underground, nut-eating tree dwellers would converge heavily on squirrels, long-legged herbivores that foraged on the forest floor would resemble agoutis and maras, while jumping, hopping plains dwellers would develop long, jumping hind legs and long tails for balance, becoming similar to kangaroo rats and jerboas.

But in the vacancy of other mammal niches that would have had competition on Earth, some species would take on forms no terran rodent possibly could. Some specialized upon insectivory, developing longer snouts and sharper teeth, and coming to occupy roles filled by shrews, moles and hedgehogs. Others, particularly the larger and more aggressive species, would instead set their sights on another, more abundant food source: other species of hamsters, which would cause them to specialize into small-scale predators, resembling ferrets, weasels, and grasshopper mice.

And so the saga soon skips to 10 million years post-establishment: the Middle Rodentocene, where the process of speciation has reached an all-time high, and produced spectacular diversity, from one founding species....

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

[lilyanasart]

Zagrie Grjene

The Zagrje Grjene: the Zagrjene are a technologically advanced, space traveling species, insectoid and multi-limbed, with two legs and four arms, and some minor cannibalistic habits. Zagrjene is often used for conciseness. Due to their interstellar and interplanar travel, there have been occasional skirmishes between Githyanki and Zagrjene exploratory vessels. Githzerai have occasionally exchanged information and educational advances with the Zagrjene, though these instances are far and few between. Where exactly the Embracers come from is uncertain.

Technologically advanced, though they prefer melee combat, they have great ships capable of interstellar and interplanar travel. Their primary weapons tend to be four swords, with common variations being two swords with spears, axes, or maces in the secondary set of hands. For those who do prefer ranged, throwing knives the size of what would equal daggers for most other races, dual long bows which generate their own arrows, or for those who prefer being able to hide things, small compact energy pistols the size of hand crossbows which pack the punch of heavy crossbows.

They have wings on their back, inside wing casings similar to locusts or grasshoppers, and their faces are gaunt and long, with six small eyes in place of two, and no protruding nose. Their mouths are hybrid of mandible and mammalian masticating mechanisms. The average height for a Zagrjene is 6 ft 5 in. The birth-givers, known as “davarojn”, tend to be half a foot to a full foot taller and then the fertilizers, known as “voj-gno”. Their reproductive cycle is not unlike a hybrid of human and insectoid in which one carries the fertilized egg internally and then gives birth to live young, typically 7-15 at a time. The reason the davarojns are so much taller, is due to the incubation chamber being so large, able to hold up to 15 Zagrjene young at a time. However, one notable difference is that an egg can be fertilized then injected into a host at which point it will change its genetic makeup to be that of the host species but still retain many Zagrjene qualities. These include enhanced speed, enhanced strength, and a tendency towards melee combat. If the implanted race does not have either wings or 4 or more limbs, the Zagrjene, mutate so that their body does, though the additions will be retractable so that the Zagrjene can blend in with the host race. A grouping of Zagrjene young is referred to as a brood.

 The strange and most interesting aspect of Zagrjene reproduction is the Nox. Nox are very rare, very powerful, genetic variants of the race, often possessing supernatural abilities for energy manipulation, even greater speed, and strength, as well as a passive ability to detect the thoughts of nearby Zagrjene. The Nox are their commanders, their spies, their most powerful and elite members. Whilst all Zagrjene speak Common, the Nox speak all languages fluently, able to pick up languages just by being nearby other individuals, with a less intense psychic connection. This also means that they tend to pick up speech practices and accents from those nearby when they first learn a language. This also comes into effect the first time they come into contact with a native speaker of a language that they have learned through study or innate ability, so a Nox may have an accent from another planet due to them being the first contact point for common or some other language that the Nox knew inherently but had not yet made a native speaker. (So, a Nox who has not been around any other creatures that speak Common crash lands into the Deep South, and they will most likely end up with an intensely hick accent when speaking Common)

The other strange thing about The Nox is their birth process. The Nox are also known as “The Deadly Stillborn”. This is due to the fact that, due to their importance, they have evolved to subvert the growing up process. Whilst new Nox are born rarely, more often than not, a Nox birth is due to a Nox being slain or dying of natural causes, and their soul is searching for a new body. In this state, they will inhabit the most recently formed Zagrjene fetus within a couple hundred lightyears and will be carried to term by the davarojn or injected host. They will be born much like any other of the race carrying them, until they open their eyes some five minutes after they are born. For Nox in the process of rebirth, once they open their eyes, the first sapient that they make eye contact with will die. The Nox will cause their brainwave activity to cease, and replace its brainwaves with the Nox’, effectively replacing its thoughts and mind with that of the newly reborn Nox. At this point the infant body will cease all biological functions and be sent to the recyclers, or “rezjkon”. The Nox don't care if a body has been injured by time or age, for they can heal these things, so it does not matter to The Nox who they are replacing , and in fact they are unable to stop this process even if they wished to. Therefore it is commonplace for elder Zagrjene to be the ones in charge of midwife-esque duties and attending the newborns, so that if any Nox are born, it will hopefully not be somebody of inordinate significance that gets replaced and killed. There is no way to tell if a davarojn is carrying a Nox or another normal Zagrjene before the birth which is why they have this protocol. If it is the nearest fetus, a Nox will go into an implanted egg that is not a member of The Zagrjene species. Once fully formed and ready to be born, said Zagrjene will rapidly age to the point of maturity for said race, in the span of about six months, regardless for the normal rate of maturity for the species.

The primary significant trait of a Nox, is that they do not lose memories whenever they are reborn or killed. This means there are Nox that have memories from near the beginning of the species, or at least once they had developed to the point of becoming the Zagrjene that are known today. This is what makes the Nox so incredibly valuable to the Zagrjene, before and above all else.

 The Zagrjene also abide by strict code of rules that dictate how they handle different situations. For example, if a prisoner has challenged their captor to a fight for their freedom, both parties are considered in a duel, up until the actual event takes place. Therefore, if at any time either side dies before the actual physical contest, the other side will be declared the winner by default. Normally, it is not the Zagrjene that dies outside of the duel, if nothing else they have time to wait, frequently living at least two centuries, Nox living until something external takes them out.

As a society they are vaguely matriarchal, similar, as some have pointed out, to humanoid evil bees or wasps with a queen, known as the Etherea, that is both a davarojn and a Nox. The rest of the structure largely depends on what the Etherea decides is important and necessary at the time, creating structures and substructures and dissolving them as they see fit.

The Zagrjene have no real concept of gender other than the physiological differences between davarojns and voj-gnos, everyone being equal aside from the Etherea and the Nox. The physiological differences between the davarojns and voj-gnos have not led to any psychological differences, other than the davarojns being able to tell exactly how much time until they are going to give birth. The voj-gnos have no such mental ability as they do not have any time sensitive biological functions. The main identity or differentiation for The Zagrjene come from their role in their society and their function. A scientist will be of higher stature than a janitor or a foot soldier, for example. Most of these stations are assigned at birth, as often reproduction is not done for sake of perpetuating a family legacy or name, but because two Zagrjene have features that the Etherea wish to combine in the offspring.

Pronunciation:

Davarojn: dah-vah-RONE

Etherea: EETH-ear-EE-uh

Nox: knocks

Rezjkon: ray-zuh-con

Zagrjene: Zah-grain

Zagrje Grjene: Zah-gray g-RY-un