T II 10 CYCLE OF LIFE 



9 



of the abdomen is turned downward, and, stopping' mo- 

 mentarily, the ovipositors (Fig. 1!)S, o) are applied to 

 the ground. Some, however, begin to dig and complete 

 the work where the first attempt is made. Small ele- 

 vated spots on the surface, appear to he much chosen. 

 Frequently these little hillocks arc not noticeable until 

 marked by a locust digging into the crest. From 

 Figure 12, //, //, y", it is evident that for oviposition 

 the same place is sometimes chosen by several grass- 

 hoppers. Sandy soil, when present, seems preferable. 



FIG. 11. Vertical section of ground, showing two egg-pods of yellow grasshop- 

 per in position in ground at right; female yellow grasshopper digging holo in 

 which to place her eggs ; longitudinal section of egg-pod at left, showing position 

 of eggs iu pod. Drawn from life. 



A suitable place chosen, the locust forces a hole in 

 the ground by means of the two pairs of horny-tippet 1 

 ovipositors at the end of the abdomen. These are 

 opened and closed and the full weight of the bodv is 

 brought to bear on them. In this way a reeepfaele is 

 made for the eggs/ of ten in extremely firm ground. 



