THE GRASS-HOPPER 
37 
CYCLE_The mother locust commences to lay 
eggs in May, boring holes in the earth with her 
strong ovipositor and laying a few eggs in each, 
until about 60 eggs in all have been laid. These 
do not hatch until nearly four months later, when 
the young locusts crawl out. 
NOTES—The natives of Australia and some 
parts of Africa use locusts as food, usually frying 
them in fat. Another species, not quite so common 
in New Zealand, is called the “Tree Locust.” It is 
found in trees, or in the grass under trees, and is 
difficult to distinguish on account of its “all-green” 
colour. It is frequently miscalled a grasshopper. 
THE GRASS HOPPER 
DESCRIPTION—It is much less in size than 
the common locust, but having similarly shaped 
hind legs, it is also able to hop long distances. Its 
head is green and somewhat similar to that of the 
Mantis, but on a much' smaller neck. Its antennae 
are much longer than those of the Locust, being 
sometimes more than two inches long. The under 
part of its body is barred green and light brown, 
and there are three hair-like protuberances jutting 
out from the end of its body. 
FOOD—Tender grass shoots and tender leaves, 
also the bark of tender stems. 
♦ 
NOTES—It is a very pretty insect, especially 
when viewed through a magnifier. 
