We all know what a pain grasshoppers can be. They ruin crops, they’re annoying, and they always seem to be everywhere.
But have you ever stopped to think about what they actually are? Perhaps you’ve even wondered, “What does a grasshopper eat?”
Well, wonder no more! Here’s everything you need to know about those pesky critters—including what they like to munch on.
Grasshoppers are insects that belong to the suborder Caelifera. There are around 11,000 species of grasshoppers worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups of insects on the planet.
They can be found in nearly every climate, from tropical rainforests to cold mountain peaks.
Grasshoppers are herbivores, which means that they only eat plants.
Their diet consists primarily of leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. Some species of grasshoppers are known to eat other things as well, such as small insects or even dead animals.
However, these items make up a very small part of their overall diet.
One of the most interesting things about grasshoppers is their chewing mouthparts.
Unlike many other insects, which have piercing and sucking mouthparts, grasshoppers chew their food like we do.
This allows them to eat a wide variety of plant material, as well as giving them the ability to digest plant cellulose—something very few other animals can do.
So there you have it! Now you know everything there is to know about what a grasshopper eats.
Next time you see one of those pesky critters, take a moment to appreciate just how fascinating they are—even if they do ruin your garden!