Melon Grasshopper - Thisoicetrinus pterostichus F.-W.
A desert species of Central Asia, usually found in river valleys.
In appearance, grasshoppers are similar to crickets, but at first glance, a significant difference is noticeable: grasshoppers have short antennae, usually less than half the body length. The body is of various colors, but always without a black longitudinal median stripe. The antennae are short, not reaching the base of the hind femora or just reaching it. The cerci of both sexes are not flattened, with the male usually conical, ending in a pointed tip.
The hind tibiae have an external apical spine. There are no wings; the body is completely wingless.
On the first tergite of the abdomen, there is an auditory organ opening covered by a membrane. The male's cerci are long, thin, slightly curved, extending beyond the tip of the abdomen. The body length of the male is 17-21 mm, and the female is 21-27 mm.
It causes minor damage to melon, vegetable, and technical crops, as well as to hayfields. It has well-developed foot pads, allowing the grasshopper to move quickly and nimbly along vertical trunks and stems of plants.
Grasshoppers can be discussed not only as dangerous plant pests. Here, we will look at them from a completely different perspective, specifically, a bit about the exotic nature of these orthopteran insects. Many interesting facts about them are provided by the renowned entomologist Professor P. I. Marikovsky in his books on insects. Humans have consumed grasshoppers for a long time. It is easy to collect a great number of them. In Africa, local populations eat grasshoppers as a delicacy. The Bushmen love grasshoppers; for them, it is “heavenly manna”; they eat them alive, first tearing off their heads, legs, and wings. In ancient times, salting grasshoppers was a common practice among many peoples, and some smoked them. Arabs boil grasshoppers in water, steam them with oil, and enjoy them like Europeans enjoy shrimp. Fried grasshoppers are a favorite delicacy among the French. Gourmets and simply food lovers are best able to appreciate dishes made from grasshoppers.
Distribution: Pre-Fergana regions of Kyrgyzstan.
Insects of Kyrgyzstan