Swarms of grasshoppers

This year there was a swarm of grasshoppers in Las Vegas.

They were piled high there. It shows just how densely they can be congregated. These folks even rounded up a few to cook up and eat (although the newscasters didn't like the idea):

This next video really explains the swarming phenomenon well. It has really great video footage as well. Can we say Biblical?!!!?? The ability for them to be in close quarters may be beneficial in raising them in a closed environment on a large "industrial scale."

People around the world consume grasshoppers/locusts. The problem is that many of these "wild" grasshoppers are likely contaminated with pesticides/insecticides and other agricultural chemicals.

Central Americans especially love grasshoppers, called Chapulines! Many are imported to the U.S.! This silly video does a good job describing the basics of it....

One guy said "they taste like bacon bits." 😎😀😀

These videos help support the idea that I believe there is a market in the U.S. for commercially grown grasshoppers. I am still waiting for my little "swarm" of grasshoppers, which include several types, to multiply. They have been mating and laying eggs, which are now nearing week 2 in the incubator. I will provide an update on when/if there is success in hatching out baby grasshoppers!

In the meantime, here is a pic of one that sadly reached end of life while in captivity. It gives you a good idea of the size.