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Grasshoppers are an essential element in the soundtrack of summer. Just listening to their song conjures up mental images of warm summers days and picnics on dry sunny banks where the grasses are slowly turning straw-yellow in the heat and drought. The hotter it gets, the louder the grasshoppers seem to chirrup – although the individual in the top picture looks like he’s feeling the sweltering heat and wiping the sweat from his brow. There are only 27 species of grasshopper and cricket native to the British Isles so it isn’t too daunting a task to get to know them all. There’s even a web site entirely dedicated to them at http://www.orthoptera.org.uk/
Grasshoppers are an essential element in the soundtrack of summer. Just listening to their song conjures up mental images of warm summers days and picnics on dry sunny banks where the grasses are slowly turning straw-yellow in the heat and drought. The hotter it gets, the louder the grasshoppers seem to chirrup – although the individual in the top picture looks like he’s feeling the sweltering heat and wiping the sweat from his brow. There are only 27 species of grasshopper and cricket native to the British Isles so it isn’t too daunting a task to get to know them all. There’s even a web site entirely dedicated to them at http://www.orthoptera.org.uk/ 
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Fabulous photos Phil. Haven't heard a cricket for years but there is not much unmown grass land near here.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Phil. These are two super close-up pictures. He's a very handsome creature too.
ReplyDeleteAgreed; great shots Phil.
ReplyDeleteThat first one really does look like he's suffering from the heat lol
Thanks for the link too; another in my growing favourites folder.
Thanks John, I did once try to introduce grasshoppers into my garden and they persisted for two or three years, but as the garden became more damp and shaded they died oyut again. I think you're right - they need plenty of sundrenched dry grassland.
ReplyDeleteI've found that grasshoppers are pretty accommodating subjects as long as you approach cautiously Emma. I just sat there in the grass and they came to me. Much easier than chasing butterflies around on a hot day........
ReplyDeleteHi Keith, I've got a book called Grasshoppers and Allied iNsects of Great Britain and Ireland that came with a very useful audio tape of all the different grasshopper songs. In some cases the easiest way to identify them is by their song.
ReplyDelete