These two lovers were captured in embrace on our pool cage last autumn. Apparently the female makes a clicking noise to attract the male. Shortly after mating the female will lay her eggs in the sandy soil. These are Romalea guttata and I just learned are the same as the black grasshoppers I saw in the spring, which are called lubbers. You can see the photo of the lubbers in my post, Where the Grasshoppers Sleep. I also learned the lubbers don't have wings and can't fly. Perhaps they climb up in the shrubs at night in case it rains to prevent drowning. The other day I saw a grasshopper crawling across the back yard and thought it strange. It was walking along instead of jumping. Maybe it finds it's favorite food by walking instead of jumping. Who knows what these grasshoppers are thinking.
Above is the 1919 illustration by Milo Winter of The Ant and the Grasshopper. In Aesop's fable the grasshopper sings all summer long while the ant works to store food. When winter comes the grasshopper starves. I also learned many cultures eat grasshoppers since they are high in protein and minerals. Some of the countries which eat grasshoppers are Mexico, Africa, and China. Raw grasshoppers should not be eaten because they may contain tapeworms. Grasshoppers give off less greenhouse gases than pigs or cattle if raised for food. I'm not ready to eat any grasshoppers but if I needed to, I now know where I could get some good protein very readily.
Much like a grasshopper I never know where my thoughts will lead me but I love where I am led. Today it seems I was led by the grasshopper to Aesop. Perhaps I'll take a trip to the library and see if I can find a copy of Aesop's Fables. Aesop is believed to have lived in ancient Greece as a slave and a storyteller and that's where the fables come from. Today I'm reminded a mind and an imagination are truly wonderful to have. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
at the moment I think I not will I eat it !
ReplyDeletebut if I'll re-read the Aesop's Fables!
have a happy weekend
elena
Nice pictures and interesting reading, I didn't know all that. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Elna
was this just for me? I know what they are thinking- if given the chance they are plotting how to take over the world and eat us all.
ReplyDeleteWe had a different edition of Aesop when I was little; our grasshopper looked a little more decadent. Jaunty scarf this fellow sports.
ReplyDeletei think i will pass on eating grasshoppers as well. when jeff was in korea, he avoided the food vendors that were selling sauteed bugs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lot of information on grasshoppers! I can assure you that I will never be eating of them--with or without cilantro!
ReplyDeleteI've often seen grasshoppers walking, I'll be they are looking for food. I've not seen any as interesting as these guys, you have such interesting bugs in Florida.
ReplyDeleteHi Elena, thanks, I am with you no grasshoppers today, Ha. Aesops Fables would be much more palatable.
ReplyDeleteHi Elna, thanks, I too was amazed that even the lowly grasshopper has something to add.
Hi Meredith, thanks, you know I think of you every time I see a grasshopper now. didn't someboy say some day the insects will rule the world?
Hi Joanne, thanks, I think there have been many versions of the fables, and I recall one where the illustrations were more decadent.
Hi Michele, thanks, last night Gary told me he had them in Taiwan, he said they were crunchy but can't remember the flavor. Ugh, just the thought, but if I was starving I'd have to.
Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, maybe that can be the next chocolate. te he, not.
Hi Lori, thanks, I guess I never noticed grasshoppers walking before I saw that one the other day, just jumping.
Thanks, I'll be sure to cook my grasshoppers in the future:)) Gosh, I hope I am never that hungry.
ReplyDelete