THE GRASSHOPPER QtJ 



Get several specimens of each sex. 



Study the male first. Count the number of sterna on the 

 ventral side in front of the modified portion. The last 

 sternum is modified into a large convex subgenital plate 

 notched on the upper side. 



On the dorsal side two additional segments can be seen. 

 The two appendages, the cerci, grow out from between the 

 tenth and eleventh segments. 



Make a drawing of the abdomen of the male (X2). 



In the abdomen of the female the first seven segments 

 of the sternum are similar to those of the male. Observe 

 that the eighth plate makes the subgenital plate as in the 

 male. On the dorsal side find the ten segments like those 

 of the male. Back of the tenth find another making the 

 sharp tip of the abdomen. 



On the ventral side back of the subgenital plate, find the 

 ovipositor which consists of six points arranged in pairs. 

 Each pair is pointed posteriorly, but the middle pair, or true 

 ovipositors, which act as guides in placing the eggs, are en- 

 tirely hidden by the anterior and posterior pairs. These 

 last two pairs are brought tightly together and forced into 

 the ground almost as deep as the length of the abdomen. 

 They are then separated, making a pit into which the eggs 

 are guided by the inner pieces. 



Make a drawing of the left side of the abdomen (Xs)- 



(4) The males of this grasshopper and of many other 

 species makes noises which are supposed to be interpreted 

 by others of the same species. Look on the inner side of the 

 femur of the male for a row of small spines. Examine 

 with lens of dissecting microscope or with hand lens. Draw 

 spines and also the inner side of the femur showing spines. 



