27 



with dirt mixed with this fluid, which forms a mass nearly im- 

 pervious to water, after it liardens. See Fig. 1 1 . The number 

 of eggs deposited 

 by the different 

 species varies con- 

 siderably, some 

 laying onl}^ twent}- 

 five or tliirt}' in one 

 mass, but deposit- 

 ing several masses, 

 while others, as the 

 red-winged grass- 

 hopper {IIi2)2^iscus 

 tuhercnlatus ) , de- 

 posit all, to the 

 number of 1 25 or 

 130, in one mass. 



The different 

 species vary also 

 in the selection of 

 places for depositing their eggs ; some species may frequently 

 be seen, in the fall, digging holes and laying their eggs in the 

 hard gravel of a well-travelled road. 



The young grasshoppers are very large eaters ; and, in the proc- 

 ess of growth, they molt or shed their skins from three to five 

 times. At the second or third molt, rudimentary wing covers ap- 

 pear, and the insect is called a pupa ; but previous to this time it 

 is- called a larva. At the last molt the wings and wing covers 

 appear fully developed, and then the insect is called an imago, 

 — perfect or mature insect. See Fig. 12. 



Fig. 11. 

 Grasshoppers laying eggs. 



a, a, a, female in different positions. 



b, egg pod. 



c, separate eggs. 



d, e, earth removed to expose the pods. 



Fio. 12. 

 Qrasshoppcr molting Its ekln. n to f , showing the sticccssWe stages. 



