For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Incredible eyes - Tree Locust (Anacridium moestum) Acrididae

The grasshopper uses its two pair of eyes (the simple and compound) to see, the tympanum to hear sounds, palps to taste, the antennae for feeling and smelling. The five senses are sight, hearing, taste, touch, and scent.
Parts:
Antennae- detect odour and touch
Simple eyes- sense changes in light brightness
Compound eyes- sense movement and crude images
Mouth parts- designed for chewing
Palps- used for tasting
Wings- thin but rigid and veined
Tympanum- a round membrane designed for the grasshopper to detect sound waves
Spiracles- tiny holes that allows air to enter the trachea
Protection:
The grasshopper has a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton made of chitin, to protect it. It also preserves moisture.

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