. Elementary entomology. Entomology. (;rowth and transformations of insects 55 of their peregrinations into the crop is easily traced by the shot-hole appearance of the leaves upon which they feed. The tender leaves of cocklebur are always preferred by the grasshoppers in the early stages. Young Bermuda grass is also a favorite food, and succulent grasses of all kinds are freely eaten. In the third, fourth, and fifth stages, as grass, weeds, and even shrubs disappear along the ditch banks and bayous, the crops of corn and cotton adjacent begin to show signs of vigorous attack, and the march of
. Elementary entomology. Entomology. (;rowth and transformations of insects 55 of their peregrinations into the crop is easily traced by the shot-hole appearance of the leaves upon which they feed. The tender leaves of cocklebur are always preferred by the grasshoppers in the early stages. Young Bermuda grass is also a favorite food, and succulent grasses of all kinds are freely eaten. In the third, fourth, and fifth stages, as grass, weeds, and even shrubs disappear along the ditch banks and bayous, the crops of corn and cotton adjacent begin to show signs of vigorous attack, and the march of destruc- tion commences. ... A few hours before molting the grasshoppers tend to congregate and become sluggish. Molting varies as to time, and slightly as to manner, with different stages. In the early stages less time is required, and the operation occurs on the ground or upon low bunches of grass and weeds. Every effort of the grass- hoppers at this time seems to be to avoid conspicuity, and in doing so spare themselves, in a man- ner, enmity of parasites. After the molting of the first, second, and third stages it is not long before the young grasshoppers are suf- ficiently hardened to begin feed- ing again, but after the molt of the fourth and fifth stages, particularly the last molt, some time is required to extend the wings and dry and harden the body before feeding is reassumed. The last molt usually occurs on the upper and well- exposed leaves of corn and other plants upon which they may be feeding, though it is not uncom- mon for the grasshoppers to drop to the ground during the maneu- vers of the process. The reason for the selection of the more exposed places for the last molt is obvious. The bodies are large, and rapid drying protects them from fungous diseases which lurk in the more shaded and moist sections during the months of June and July. The last prominent habit to which we call attention is that of the fully grown grasshoppers to seek the shade offered by
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1, booksubjectentomology, bookyear1912
