COMPUTER

BIOLOGY
LAB

GRASSHOPPER
DISSECTION

CROSS EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

Copyright 1984 Copyright 1989
Larry Newbry (Apple) Mark Cross (IBM)

Published by
Cross Educational Software
504 E. Kentucky Ave.
P.O. Box 1536
Phone 318-255-8921
 GRASSHOPPER
DISSECTION

INTRODUCTION

"GRASSHOPPER DISSECTION" can be used as a pre-lab or post-lab computer activity. It

gives instructions and definitions that a student should know before entering the lab. After a
dissection the program can be used as a review, homework, or self-test. The reading level and
content are meant for seventh to tenth grade biology students.

GETTING STARTED

All you have to do is put the disk on an Apple or IBM-PC equivalent computer and turn on the
power. After a few seconds the screen will show the menu on the next page. A color monitor will
help, but the pictures are compatible with black and white.
Hardware notes: The IBM version requires a CGA or monochromatic equivalent graphics
card. Hercules cards won't work. To run this program on Tandy computers you will need at
least 384 K memory.

COPIES

Purchase of this program entitles the user to have it running on only one computer at a time,
unless a site license or lab pack or network license is purchased.
A backup disk is included in case of accident. If the disk doesn't run when you receive it, it will
be replaced free. Just mail it back to Cross Educational Software. If the disk fails after being
used for 60 days, it could be due to mishandling, such as a scratch or a fingerprint. After 60 days
there is an $8.00 charge to purchase a replacment disk.

MANUAL AND TESTS

The following pages are a summary of the program. The test pages could be duplicated and
given to students if there isn't enough time for all students to run the program during
class.
Any portion of this manual may be freely duplicated.
 MAIN MENU

1) ORIENTATION
2) STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS
3) STUDENT CONTROLLED DISSECTION
4) SELF TEST

P o f t fi o r

1) ORIENTATION: VOCABULARY LIST

ABDOMEN AIR SAC ANTENNA

ANTERIOR AORTA ARTHROPOD
BRAIN CHITIN COMPOUND EYE
CROP DORSAL ESOPHAGUS
EXOSKELETON FEMUR GANGLIA
GASTRIC POUCHES GIZZARD HEART
INSECT INVERTEBRATE LABIUM
LABRUM MANDIBLES MAXILLAE
MOLT NERVE CORD NYMPH
OPEN SYSTEM PALPI POSTERIOR
PRONOTUM SALIVARY GLAND SIMPLE EYE
SPIRACLE STOMACH TARSUS
THORAX TIBIA TRACHEA
TYMPANUM VENTRAL WINGS

2 -
GENERAL BACKGROUND

The g r a s s h o p p e r i s a n i n s e c t . A s w i t h a l l i n s e c t s i t
h a s s i x l e g s a n d t h r e e main body pa r t s . These are head,
thorax, a n d a b d o m e n . The g r a s s h o p p e r i s a n i n v e r t e b r a t e ,
meaning t h a t it has no b a c k b o n e . It is also an
a r t h r o po d . T h i s m e a n s t h a t t h e g r a s s h o p p e r ha s j o i n t e d
l e g s a nd a h a r d o u t e r c o v e r i n g o r exos k e l e t o n made from
a tough material calied chitin. I n o r d e r t o grow, the
grasshopper must shed or m o l t this exoske l e t o n . A
grasshop p e r h a t c h e s f r o m an egg d e p o s i t e d i n t h e g r o u n d .
The young grasshopper o r nymph looks exactly like an
adult e x c e p t t h a t i t i s s m a l l e r, s t u b b i e r, h a s no wings,
and has n o r e p r o d u c t i v e o r g a n s .

After a few days the nymph will molt. Its exo-

skeleton will split and out will crawl the slightly larger
n y m p h . A t fi r s t t h e n e w e x o s k e l e t o n i s s o f t b u t i t s o o n
h a r d e n s . W i n g s w i l l a p p e a r a f t e r t h e fi r s t o r s e c o n d m o l t
a n d t h e n y m p h w i l l r e a c h m a t u r i t y a f t e r fi v e o r s i x m o l t s .
During the time a nymph is molting and growing, it eats
almost constantly to keep up with its large energy needs.

2) DEFINITIONS OF STRUCTURES
Respirotoru System

A) RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

t
LoteroJ Central Sp;:ade5
f t i r Tu b e H

Spiracle - Opening in grasshopper's abdomen that allows

air from outside to enter the air sacs.
Abdominal Air Sacs = Sac-like structures in the abdomen
that take in air and allow for a direct
oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.
Ventral Air Tube - Tube which carries oxygen and carbon
dioxide along the ventral surface.
Dorsal Air Tube - Tube which carries oxugen and carbon
dioxide along the dorsal surface.
Lateral Air Tube - Tube which connects the abdominal
air sacs together.

- 3 -
B ) C I R C U L ATO RY / Circulatory o,nd Nervous 5y stews
NERVOUS SYSTEM

Nerve Cord- Runs along ventral surface connecting ganglia.

Ganlia (singular ganglion)- A group of nerve cells in the
central nervous system.
Brain- In the grasshopper this is simply
an enlarged ganglion.
Aorta- Vessel-like structure located near the dorsal
surface. Carries blood toward the anterior end.
Heart- Tubular organ found near the dorsal surface.
Ta k e s b l o o d f r o m t h e p o s t e r i o r
a n d p u m p s i t t o w a r d t h e a n t e r i o r.

Digestive and Excretory Systems

C) DIGESTIVE /
EXCRETORY SYSTEM

5maI
Intestine
Larqt
Intestine
Esophagus fry Malpi^hian tubules L^zsa

G izzar d- M u s c u l a r o r g a n u s e d f o r g r i n d i n g f o o d p a r t i c l e s ,
G a s t r i c Po u c h e s - Sa c k - l i k e g l a n d s t h a t r e l e a s e
digestive enzymes into the digestive system.
S m a l l I n t e s t i n e- Th e s h o r t n a r r o w t u b e t h a t c a r r i e s w a s t e
f rom the large intestine to the rectum,
E s o p h a g u s - T u b e t ha t c a r r i e s f o o d f r o m t h e m o u t h t o t h e c r o p ,
Stomac h- A rea w h e r e f o o d i s d i g e s t e d .
Rectum - An a rea that serves as a storage area for waste,
I t e v e n t u a l l y f o r c e s t h e w a s t e f r o m t h e b o d y,
S a l i v a r y g lands - Fou n d i n t h e t h o r a x .
They e x c r e t e s a l i v a i n t o t h e m o u t h a r e a ,
Crop An rea that serves as a storage place for food,
I t onnec t s t h e e s o p h a g u s t o t h e s t o m a c h ,
Large Intes t i n e - A wide tube that connects the stomach
wi t h t h e s m a l l i n t e s t i n e . C a r r i e s w a s t e s .
M a l p i g h i a n Tu b u l e s - Kidney-like tubes found around the
s t o m a c h a rea . They remove wastes from the blood
and depos i t t h e m i n t h e i n t e s t i n e .

- 4
 Simple eye
D) HEAD AND Compound
MOUTH PARTS

Simple ey.£.

Labial Maxillary
palpus
Lobrum

Labium- Lower lip which helps in holding food

as it is being chewed.

Simple Eye - Three of these smaller eyes

a r e f o u n d o n t h e g r a s s h o p p e r.

Maxillary Palpi (singular Palpus)

Contribute to the senses of touch and smell.

Jaw - Mandibles which crush food.

Compound Eyes - Made up of hundreds of six-sided lenses.

Enable the grasshopper to see from front and sides.

Mouth P

♦ M #
Maxilla
l a x m a * m j p g . , u fl l ^ , aMaxilla
xlllQ

Palpus. Palpus

« Polous r^"" PalDUS*

Labial Palpi (singular Palpus)-

Contribute to senses of touch and smell.

Antenna (plural antennae)-

Contain nerve endings which help in touch and smell.

Labrum - Upper lip part.

Helps hold food as it is being chewed.

Palpi (singular palpus) -

Contribute to senses of touch and smell.

Maxilla (plural maxillae) - Grinds food.

Mandible - Jaw-like structures which crush the food.

E) REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

MALE * Molt Rtoroductiwt

S Sytttw i fc Seminal

J Tutli @j

^~$*1 ^L Sptrm
1 P^'g
I ^ Ouct

Te s t i s ( p l u r a l Te s t e s ) - P r o d u c e s s p e r m c e l l s i n t h e m a l e ,

Sperm Duct- carries sperm cells during mating process.

Penis- Male reproductive organ.

S e m i n a l Ve s i c l e - S t o r e s s p e r m c e l l s u n t i l m a t i n g .

FEMALE

Ovary- Produces egg cells in female.

Ovipositor- External structure found only on females.

Helps to dig hole and deposit eggs.

Va g i n a - R e c e i v e s s p e r m c e l l s d u r i n g m a t i n g p r o c e s s .
Seminal Receptacle- Stores sperm cells until eggs are laid,
- 6 -
F) EXTERNAL FEATURES

Antenna (plural antennae) - Contain nerve endings

which help in touch and smell.

Spiracle - Opening in abdomen through which air passes

on the way to air sacs.

Pronotum- Hard chitinous shield of the thorax.

H i n d w i n g - M e m b r a n o u s w i n g u s e d f o r fl y i n g b y g r a s s h o p p e r .

Forewing- Hard protective wing that covers the hindwing.

Ty m p a n u m - M e m b r a n e t h a t a c t s a s e a r d r u m .

Compound Eyes- Made up of hundreds of six-sided lenses.

They enable the grasshopper to see from front and sides,

Simple Eye- Three of these smaller eyes

a r e f o u n d o n t h e g r a s s h o p p e r.

Ta r s u s - A t h r e e p a r t f o o t l i k e s t r u c t u r e a t t h e e n d
of the tibia.

Tibia- the thin and spiny middle portion of the leg.

F e m u r - t h e l a r g e m u s c u l a r fi r s t s e c t i o n o f t h e l e g .

- 7
 DISSECTION GUIDELINES

We shall begin by removing the wings of our

specimen. Using the scissors, cut off the forewings
a n d h i n d w i n g s c l o s e t o t h e b o d y. Ta k e c a r e n o t t o c u t
i n t o t h e b o d y o f t h e g r a s s h o p p e r.

Inse-t ?.;a pd just

under edgi: of pronotun

After the wings have been removed, the pronotum

s h o u l d b e t a k e n o f f . To r e m o v e t h e p r o n o t u m , c a r e f u l l y
pry up the edges while using your scalpel to cut it
l o o s e . K e e p t h e s c a l p e l fl a t a g a i n s t t h e i n s i d e o f t h e
pronotum while cutting and prying it loose. Continue
cutting around the entire perimeter of the pronotum
until it can be removed. Be careful not to cut into
the body cavity!

The grasshopper's six legs should be removed

next. Using your scalpel or scissors, cut off each of
the legs at the point where it is attached ot the
b o d y. A f t e r a l l o f t h e l e g s h a v e b e e n r e m o v e d t h e
specimen will be much easier to handle.

1
^Remove all six leqs = Keep scissors tight against
= Cut clos e tc body = j inside of exoskeleton

mm
iifc
lllll
■Jt^-^k. Cut from point A to B
x/^1 tat.

Now we are at the point where we must remove a

major portion of the exoskeleton. Using your scissors,
carefully puncture the exoskeleton with its tip. Do
not insert the point too deeply! Make an incision from
point 'A' toward the anterior to point 'B*. Keep the
point of the scissors tight against the inside of the
exoskeleton so as not to damage any of the underlying
organs. Once the incision from point 'A1 to point 'B1
is complete we may continue on to the next step.

- 8
 Starting at 'A', make an incision toward the
dorsal surface. This incision should continue over the
entire dorsal surface. Returning to fB', make another
incision similar to the one from point 'A' , upward and
over the dorsal surface. Do not cut too deeply!
Continue dorsal incisions down right
side to points_C and D

Cut up left Do not cut

side and across too deeply
dorsal surface

Continue the incisions from points ?A' and fB'

down the oposite side of the grasshoppr to points 'C
and 'D*. Notice that points fCf and 'D' are located in
the same positions as points 'A' and 'B' but on the
opposite side. After the two incisions to points 'Cf
and fD' are complete, start at point fCf and make an
incision to point 'D'. Make sure to keep the point of
the scissors just under the exoskeleton!

Continue incision across dorsal surface

Start incision half way between _ and down riant side
points A' and B at point E to point E

Cut upward Keep scissors just

•jird dorsal surface under exoskeleton

We s h a 11 now p r oceed to the fi n a l m c i sion .

R e t u r n i n g t o t h e l e f t s i d e o f t h e g r a s s h opper , s t a r t an
incision about half wa y b e t w e e n p o i n t s ' A 1 and ' B \
Notice t h i s point ' E ' in t he d i a g r a m . This incision
should c o n t inu e across t he entire dor sa 1 s u r face .
Continue t h is i n c i s i on over t he d o r sa l s u r f ace and
down the right s i d e o f t h e g r asshoppe r . T h i s i n c i s i o n
should s t o p at point f F' . Noti c e that p oin t , F,
c o r r e s p onds to poin t ' Ef but it i s o n t h e opposi te
s i d e o f t h e g r a s s h o p p er . Be c e r t a i n n o t to i nser t the
scalpel too d e eply . Th i s could v e r y well dam age a
number o f o r gans i n this a r ea . Upon comple t i n g this
i n c i s i o n , we are fi n i s h ed w i t h a l l o f t h e p rel iminar y
i n c i s i o ns .
The o n l y t h i n g l e f t t o d o i s r e m o v e t h e p o r t i o n s o f
the exo skele t o n . R e t u r n i n g t o t h e l e f t s i d e o f t h e
g r a s s h o P P e r, w e m a y b e g i n t o r e m o v e t h e l a r g e p o r t i o n s o f
 Inse-t scalpel inside incision
Peel back exoskeleton
L'Kegp blade pressed against exoskeleton as tissues are cut

Do not cut
too deeply

t h e e x o s k e l e t on . C a r e f u l l y sert your s c a l pe l into the

i nc i s i o n ma d e be twe e n point s 'A' and 'B' , b e i ng very
c a r e f u l t o k e e p t h e s i d e o f t h e sea l p e l t ight agains t the
ins i d e o f t he exosk e l e t on * Gent
ly move t h e s e a l p e 1 a l o n g
t h e i n c i s ion , f reeing t he e x o s k e let on from any tissues
that may be a t tached to it. Gradual1y iift or pry the
e x o s k e l e t o n a way from the i n ternal orga n s as the
c o n n ec t in g t i s s u e s a r e c ut . Con t i n u e m o v i n g t h e s e a l p e l i n
a b a c k a nd f o r t h m o t ion along the i n s ide of the
e x o s k e l e t on . Do no t a t tern p t to cut too much of the
c o n n ec t in g t i s s u e a t o n e t ime . O n l y the very t i p of the
seal pel shou I d be i nser ted unde r the exos k e l e t o n . T h i s
pr oc edur e wi 1 1 i n s u r e t h a t mo s t of the i n ternal organs
w i l l r ema i n i n t a c t .

As the exoskeleton is pulled back a number of

internal organs will become visible. Continue the back
and forth motion of the scalpel, freeing the
exoskeleton from the underlying tissue. As more and
more of the exoskeleton is freed from the connecting
tissue it should make the cutting even easier.

Mr.re organs will c-'me irto ,'iew

re of the e oskelet; n is removed
£#^>

Finish removal of exoskeleton

by Method »1 or «Z
Proceed

Once you have reached the dorsal surface, you

should have little problem in removing the rest of the
exoskeleton. Yo u may fi n i s h the removal of the
exoskeleton by one of two methods.
Method 1: Continue removal of the exoskeleton along
the dorsal surface and down the right side of the
grasshopper ending at the incision between 'C and ' D' .
Method 2: After you reach the dorsal surface you may
turn the grasshopper to the right side and repeat the
same procedure starting at the incision made by points
'C and 'D' and ending at the dorsal surface.

10 -
 Carefully remove any large sections of connecting
tissue that might remain attached to the internal organs.
If the specimen is a female you might observe the ovary
fi l l e d w i t h a l a r g e m a s s o f e g g s . T h i s m a s s w o u l d b e
located on the dorsal surface of the intestine, just
below the hearts and blood vessel. If your grasshopper
does contain an egg mass, you may want to remove it to
see the digestive system beneath it.

Several major
organs can now
be viewed n
P a r t s o f t h e f fl W I w
nervous system j(Jj§|tnr/
Move digestive
tract aside with
y\ Probe

V %.
£os±
Stomach Ganglia
Blood Uessel
Large Intestine
Hearts —Nerve Cord
Small Intestine
Rectum

Looking down at the dorsal surface of the

grasshopper, you should be able to o b ser ve the
digestive canal. A number of organs should be
i d e n t i fi e d . U s i n g y o u r p r o b e , c a r e f u l l y s e p a r a t e a s
much connective tissue as possible from the d igesti ve
tract. Insert the probe very carefully under the
digestive tract. Roll the tract over to one side
e x p o s i n g t h e n e r v e c o r d a n d g a n g l i a . T h e n er ve cord
a p p e a r s a s a fi n e w h i t e t h r e a d w i t h s l i g h t s w e 11 i n g s i n
it. These swelling are the ganglis. Be careful not to
s t r e t c h t h e t r a c t t o o f a r . I t w i l l t e a r i f moved too
far to the side.

We shall now make an incision to expose the

remainder of the crop and esophagus. This incision
will also expose the brain. Using your scalpel,
carefully make an incision as illustrated in the
picture. Be very careful not to cut too deep! After
this section of exoskeleton has been thoroughly
loosened, it may be removed using your forceps. Some
connective tissue holding this piece of exoskeleton
in place may have to be cut.

fJ i*1 Jnflillft I *"ut carefully

1 Gastric Pouch e
Do n:.t make
incision too deep Stomqch--

X Large, Irteiti
Small Intestir
Rectum —

11 -
 STRUCTURES AND FUNCTIONS - NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system of the grasshopper is basically

quite simple. The simple brain actually has very little
control over the grashopper ' s b o d y. T h e c o n t r o l l i e s i n
the ganglia which are found in each segment.
The ganglia act as nerve centers for nearby body
parts. These body parts (internal or external) are
controlled by the ganglia.
Many insects also have a number of external nerve
cells which relay information to the internal nervous
system. This allows the insect to respond to external
s t imuli .
Because the brain is responsible for little
c o n t r o l o v e r t h e b o d y, a n i n s e c t c a n s t i l l r e m a i n a l i v e
for a time after the head is cut off.

Rectum
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

As t h e food is cut up by the action of the

mand i bl e s , it is sucked into the mouth. There it
passes t h r o u g h t h e e s o p h a g u s a n d i n t o t h e c r o p w h e r e
it is stored for a short period of time. The salivary
glands secrete juices which mix with the food and make
its p assage through the esophagus much easier. From
the c ro p t he food passes into the gizzard. In the
gi zzard the food particles are shredded and ground by
the p 1 a t e s o f 'teeth'. These teeth are made up of
chitin, the same type of material that makes up the
exoske1 e t o n o f t h e g r a s s h o p p e r.

12 -
 The partially digested food is then screened
through thin plates before it passes into the stomach.
On the outside of the stomach the gastric pouches can
be found. These gastric pouches secrete enzymes into
the stomach. The enzymes complete the digestion of the
food particles. The digested food is then absorbed
through the stomach wall.
The digested food then is stored for a short time
in the large and small intestines. The food then
proceeds to the rectum where excess water is removed
from the undigested material and the mixture is formed
i n t o s m a l l p e l l e t s w h i c h a r e r e l e a s e d f r o m t h e b o d y.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

77^
Ve n t,r aSpiracles
l rn
Air Tube I

Each abdomi n a l s egment of t h e g r a s s h o p p e r i s m a d e

up o f an upp e r and lower plate, Thes e p l a t e s a r e
joined by a fl e x i b l e m e m b r a n e w h i c h a l l ows each
segm e n t t o ex p a n d and contract Th i s fl e x i b l e
memb r a n e , bes i d e s j o i n i n g t h e uppe r a n d l o w e r p l a t e s ,
a l s o c o n n e c t s t h e segme n t s t o e a c h other. This allows
f o r a g r e a t d e a l o f m o v e m e n t i n t h e abdome n .
On mos t o f the a bdomina 1 s e g men t s t iny o p e n i n g s
c a l l e d s p i r a c l e s c an be f o u n d . T h e s e s p i r a c l e s lead to
the air t u b e s o r t r a c hea , whi ch f o r m a c o m p l e x n e t w o r k
i n s i d e o f t h e g r a s h o p p e r . T h r o u g h t h e mo v e m e n t of t h e
w i n g s and a b d o men , a i r i s f o r c e d i n t o and o u t o f t h e a i r
sacs . T h e o xygen d i f f u s e s f r om t h e a i r t u b e s i n t o t h e
b o d y t i s s u e s o f t h e g r a s s h o p p e r a n d t h e c ar bon dioxide
d i f f uses o u t .

33
 Circulatory System

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

The c i r c u l ator y s y s t e m of the a s s hoppe r 1s an

open s y s tern . This m e a ns that t he blood is not
con t ai ned w i t h i n a c l o s e d s y s t e m o f b i o od vess e l s f rom
the time i t l e a v e s t h e h ear t s u n t i l i t r e tur n s t o t h e
heart s . I nstead , t h e blood i s pump e d to the an t e r i o r
end of t he grassh opper by the c o n t rac t ion s of the
h e a r t s . T h e b l o o d i s t h e n f o r c ed ou t o f th e a or ta and
into the bod y c a v i t y n ea r t h e head . T h e b l o o d f lows
t o w a r d t h e pos t e r i o r end of the gra ssho pper ba t h i n g
a l l of t he internal o r g ans as i t g o e s . Du r i n g t h i s
p r o c e s s o x ygen i s p i e k e d u p f rom t h e a i r t ubes and
s p a c es , an d c a r b o n d i o x i d e i s r e l e ased ,. U p o n reaching
the p o s t er io r of the gra ssho p p e r, the biood is
r e t u r n e d t o t h e h e a r t s t o b e c i r c u l a t e d again .

EXCRETORY SYSTEM

The excretory system of the grasshopper is made up

of a series of kidney-like tubules called Malpighian
tubules. The blood collects the wastes from the cells
as it passes over the internal organs. These wastes
are then removed from the blood by the Malpighian
tubules. The waste material is then passed into the
intestine where it is removed from the grasshopper's
body .

- 14
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Male Reproductive

:-:n „al

MALE- The main internal reproductive organ of the

male grasshopper is the testis (plural testes). This
is the organ that produces the male reproductive cells
or sperm. The sperm cells move from the testis through
the sperm duct and are stored for a time in the
seminal vesicle. While mating the sperm is released
from the male's body through the penis and is
deposited in the female's vagina.

FEMALE- The female grasshopper's main internal

r e p r o d u c t i v e o r g a n i s t h e o v a r y. T h i s i s w h e r e t h e
female reproductive cells or eggs are produced, The
e g g s a r e f o r c e d t h r o u g h t h e o v i d u c t s a n d i n t o the
vagina. The sperm cells that were stored in the
seminal receptacles meet the eggs h e r e and
fertilization takes place. The fertilized eggs are
t h e n d e p o s i t e d i n t h e g r o u n d b y t h e f e m a l e . To a i d h e r
in digging the hole, she uses her special 'tool' called
t h e o v i p o s i t o r.

EXTERNAL FEATURES
cr o r e m n F
qifriur

EXTERNAL FEATURES

The grasshopper has several external features

w h i c h c a n b e e a s i l y f o u n d a n d i d e n t i fi e d . T h e p r o n o t u m
is part of the grasshopper's exoskeleton. It forms a
shield covering the sides and dorsal surface of the
thorax .
The spiracles can be found on each side of the
grasshopper's abdomen. These tiny holes are used for
breathing. The spiracles open into air sacs inside the
g r a s s h o p p e r ' s b o d y.
- 15 -
 The tympanum can be found at the anterior end of
the abdomen. There is one on each side. The tympanum
is the ear of the grasshopper. It functions much the
same way that an eardrum does in a human. Sound waves
cause it to vibrate. The grasshopper then interprets
this as sound.
Two pairs of wings can be found on the dorsal
surface of the thorax. The front wings are narrow and
hard, forming a shield for the delicate hindwings. The
pair of hindwings are used by the grasshopper for
fl y i n g .
The grasshopper has six jointed legs fastened to
i t s t h o r a x . T h e fi r s t t w o p a i r s a r e s m a l l e r a n d a r e
used mainly for walking and climbing. The third pair
is the largest and very muscular. This pair is used
for jumping. Each leg has three distinctive parts: The
f e m u r w h i c h i s a t t a c h e d t o t h e b o d y, t h e t i b i a o r
middle section, and the tarsus which serves as a foot.
Other external parts including the eyes,
antennae, and mouth parts will be discussed with the
h e a d s t r u c t u r e s b e l o w.

HEAD STRUCTURES
Simple ti Compound flputh Parti
Labrum

%m#
Mandible Mand.ble

Simple, tyx

Labial Maxillary
palpus ' .ftal&uj.

Uti™
The head of the g ra s s h o p p e r i s a c t u a l l y s e v e r a l
s e g m e n t s f u s e d t o g e t h e r . O n t h e h e a d w e c a n fi n d t h e
eyes, antennae, and parts of the mouth.
The . grasshopper has two types of eyes, simple and
compound. There are three si m p l e e y e s . ( S e e d i a g r a m . )
These do not form clear images but simply detect
movement and light change The larger more obvious
eyes are the compound eyes. These act as groups of
simple eyes. They form image s w h i c h p r o b a b l y a p p e a r a s
a m o s a i c - l i k e p i c t u r e t o t h e g r a s s h o p p e r.
The antenna is the 1ong tube-like appendage on
the head of the grasshopper. It is actually a sense
organ. The antenna is covered with tiny hair-like
structures. These hair-like structures are sensitive
to touch and smell.
There are several parts that make up the grass-
hopper's mouth. The labrurn or upper lip helps to hold
t h e f o o d . T h e l a b i u m o r l o we r l i p a l s o h e l p s t o h o l d t h e
food. The palpi are attached to the maxillae and labium,
T h e y a r e r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t he m o u t h ' s s e n s e o f t o u c h a n d
smell. The maxillae and the mandibles are responsible
for cutting, grinding, and crushing the food.

16
 MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST

1. As an insect, the grasshopper has

a) 2 main body sections
b) 3 main body sections
c) 4 main body sections
d) 5 main body sections

2. The gastric pouches

a) collect wastes from the body
b) help in the respiratory process
c) are found only in females
d) secrete digestive juices

3. In an open circulatory system:

a) Blood moves in veins and arteries.
b) Blood is not contained in vessels.
c ) B l o o d d o e s n o t m o v e i n t h e b o d y.
d) Blood never enters the heart.

4. The body of the grasshopper is controlled by the

a) ganglia
b) spiracles
c) mandibles
d) gastric pouches

>. An external feature of the female grasshopper is the

a) vagina
b) ovary
c) ovipositor
d) seminal receptacle

6. The kidney-like tubules

a) aid in reproduction
b) circulate the blood
c) are found only in the male
d) remove wastes from the blood

7. Air moves in and out of the grasshopper's body

through the
a) spiracles
b) ovipositor
c) mandibles
d) mouth

8. Which of the following is true of the

grasshopper nymph?
a) It spends its life underground.
b) It has no digestive system.
c) It can not see.
d) It has no reproductive organs.

- 17 -
 9. The crop of the grasshopperer
a) grinds and mixes food
b) absorbs food particles
c) serves as a holding area for food
d) holds waste products

10. The aorta is part of the

a) reproductive system
b) circulatory system
c) respiratory system
d) excretory system

TRUE - FALSE TEST 1

1 . T h e b r a i n c o n t r o l s t h e w h o l e b o d y.

2. The gizzard crushes and grinds food.

3. Mandibles help the nervous system.

4. Abdominal movement helps breathing.

5. The hard shell of the grasshopper is called

the exoskeleton.

6. The blood of the grasshopper carries oxygen.

7. The ovipositor is found only in female grasshoppers.

8. The head of the grasshopper is located

at the anterior end.

9. The wings of the grasshopper are found on the

on the dorsal surface.

10. The testes are part of the male's reproductive system,

- 18 -
 TRUE - FALSE TEST 2

1 . G a n g l i a c o n t r o l b o d y p a r t s t h a t t h e y a r e n e a r.

2. The gizzard stores food for later use.

3. The labrum is one of the mouth parts.

4. The abdomen is covered with hard plates.

5. The hard shell of the grasshopper is made of bone.

6. The blood of the grasshopper carries carbon dioxide.

7. The ovipositor is found only in male grasshoppers.

8. The head of the grasshopper is located

at the posterior end.

9. The wings of the grasshopper are found on the

on the ventral surface.

1 0 . T h e t e s t e s p r o d u c e s p e r m i n t h e m a l e g r a s s h o p p e r.

TRUE - FALSE TEST 3

1 . N e r v e c o r d s c o n n e c t o n e g a n g l i a t o a n o t h e r.

2. The gizzard absorbs waste products.

3. The labium helps the excretory system.

4 . A b d o m i n a l p l a t e s a r e c o n n e c t e d b y fl e x i b l e t i s s u e .

5. The hard shell of the grasshopper is made of chitin.

6. The blood of the grasshopper never leaves

the arteries or veins.

7. The ovipositor is found in both male and female

grasshoppers.
8. The ovipositor of the grasshopper is located
near the anterior end.

9. The forewings cover the hindwings.

1 0 . T h e t e s t e s a r e f o u n d o n l y i n t h e m a l e g r a s s h o p p e r.

- 19 -
 EXTERNAL FEATURES TEST

EXTERNAL FEATURES

K C. L &
^-F
iiiiiiii
i|||GJ ■ E h I H

J 1 ,K
i X. I *"4

1. HINDWING 7. TARSUS
2. ANTENNA _ 8. SIMPLE EYE
3. FEMUR _ 9. FOREWING
4. COMPOUND EYE _10. PRONOTUM
5. TYMPANUM 11. TIBIA
6. SPIRACLES

20 -
 HEAD AND MOUTH PARTS TEST

8B
■^=^^s
: HEAD L....
STRUCTURES: E.

D—
^ U fl l H l H ^ Mouth Ports

a c
—
iH
A

1. COMPOUND EYE 8. JAW

2. LABIUM 9. LABIUM

3. LABRUM _10. PALPUS

4. SIMPLE EYE 11. LABRUM

5. LABIAL PALPI _12. MAXILLA

6. MAXILLARY PALPI 13. MANDIBLE

7. ANTENNA

21 -
 MALE / FEMALE SYSTEMS TEST

ff Female Reproductive B
0 System _^^=a^

TpTu

1. OVIPOSITOR 5. SPERM DUCT

2. SEMINAL RECEPTACLE 6. PENIS
3. OVARY 7. TESTIS
4. VAGINA 8. SEMINAL VESICLE

- 22
CIRCULATORY / NERVOUS SYSTEMS TEST

1. NERVE CORD

2. AORTA

3. GANGLION

4. HEART

5. BRAIN

23
 DIGESTIVE / EXCRETORY SYSTEMS TEST

1. LARGE INTESTINE 6. STOMACH

2. CROP 7. ESOPHAGUS
3. SALIVARY GLANDS 8. SMALL INTESTINE
4. RECTUM 9. GASTRIC POUCHES
5. MALPIGHIAN TUBULES 10. GIZZARD

24 -
 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM TEST

R e s p i r eitory System

1 A B y£

Ei{tULp,*J|ill T»,l

IP
1
lc' \ ^ \ E .

1. SPIRACLES

2. DORSAL AIR TUBE

3. ABDOMINAL AIR SACS

4. VENTRAL AIR TUBE

5. LATERAL AIR TUBE

25