Meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus) Science Image

Ref: 14614n



Meadow grasshopper. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a male meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus). This is a member of the grasshopper family Acrididae. This grasshopper is easily sexed: the hind end curves upwards in the male (as seen here), and continues on a level in the female. Its greatly enlarged rear legs allow it to make prodigious leaps to escape from predators. The familiar buzzing song of the grasshopper is produced by the rapid motion of its hooked hind legs over its wings. This grasshopper, as its name suggests, inhabits grasslands, and feeds on the grasses amongst which it lives. Magnification: x2 at 5x7cm size.