Ralph Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I was struck by a heavenly vision yesterday. Went out behind American Electronics, caught a bunch of these grasshoppers, and set them up in a big Sterilite tub with an inch of off-road trail-dust and some hardy grasses and forbs. All my previous attempts at breeding this species have failed, and I learned that it was because of the space required for their hovering mating displays. My procedure for this setup is to watch them for about an hour in the sun with the lid off, so the males can fly up over the tub to attract the females. So far, it's going fairly well. About half of them have mostly adjusted to captivity, and are eating and communicating with waves of the back legs. The others are still pacing around the sides and trying to climb. A few of the males have already attempted mating displays, but haven't figured out to do it away from the walls or that will impede their flapping! One male tried to impress the largest female with leg movements, head bows, and other gestures, but she kicked and flew away from him (I think she's already gravid)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Ralph I am so happy there are other cricket and grasshopper guys out there! Mabe you could put a mosquito net like drape on top of the open bin and enclose the males inside? It seems from your description that the females and males could easily get out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted August 27, 2011 Author Share Posted August 27, 2011 Ralph I am so happy there are other cricket and grasshopper guys out there! I know! There aren't enough of us! Mabe you could put a mosquito net like drape on top of the open bin and enclose the males inside? It seems from your description that the females and males could easily get out? I only have the lid off while I'm watching 'em. Occasionally one jumps/flies out, so I have my net on hand! They're in the house, by the way. Netting would be a great option though, I'll see what I can scrounge up in the garage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makoygaara Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 Good luck with the breeding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 Ok do you have a heat and light source? With breeding locusts they require a light bulb inside there cage to obtain a gradient of temps a 60 watt would work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralph Posted August 28, 2011 Author Share Posted August 28, 2011 I do have a heat lamp. They can't get enough of that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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