View source for File:Grasshopper lifecycle.jpg

==Grasshopper Lifecycle==
The lifecycle of the bigheaded grasshopper, ''Alucara ellliotti'' (Thomas). 

# During summer in bare spots of grassland the female deposits at intervals batches of eggs.
# As soon as the eggs are laid, they begin embryonic development and reach an advanced stage in which they enter diapause and pass the winter.
# In spring the eggs complete embryonic development and hatch.
# The young grasshopper sheds a serosal skin, the exoskeleton hardens, and the nymph begins to feed and grow.
# After molting five times and developing through five instars in 30-40 days, it becomes an adult grasshopper with functional wings.
# The adult female matures groups of six to eight eggs at a time and deposits them in the soil at intervals of three to four days for the duration of her short life.


:'''Links:''' [[Grasshopper Development]] | [[Animal Life Cycles]] | [[Animal Development]]

Original file name: Figure 11.

===Reference===

RE. Pfadt, '''Field Guide to Common Western Grasshoppers''' 3rd edn Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 912 February 2002 University of Wyoming [http://www.sidney.ars.usda.gov/grasshopper/ID_Tools/F_Guide/FieldGde.pdf USDA and the Agricultural Research Service - PDF]


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[[Category:Grasshopper]]