The Life of the Grasshopper 



itself, kicks about and tries its strength, 

 swinging indolently at the end of its life- 

 line. 



This " little Flea," as Reaumur calls it, 

 first white, then amber, is at all points the 

 larva that will dig into the ground. The 

 antennae, of fair length, are free and wave 

 about; the legs work their joints; those in 

 front open and shut their claws, which are 

 the strongest part of them. I know hardly 

 any more curious sight than that of this 

 miniature gymnast hanging by its hinder- 

 part, swinging at the least breath of wind and 

 making ready in the air for its somersault 

 into the world. The period of suspension 

 varies. Some larvae let themselves drop in 

 half an hour or so; others remain for hours 

 in their long-stemmed cup; and some even 

 wait until the next day. 



Whether quick or slow, the creature's fall 

 leaves the cord, the slough of the primary 

 larva, swinging. When the whole brood has 

 disappeared, the orifice of the cell is thus 

 hung with a cluster of short, fine threads, 

 twisted and rumpled, like dried white of 

 egg. Each opens into a little cup at its free 

 end. They are very delicate and ephemeral 

 relics, which you cannot touch without de- 



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