Melanoplus differentialis egg pods

Thoptera has been working hard to harvest a large amount of egg pods from the first generation captive grasshoppers. Dozens of Melanoplus differentialis were wild caught in northwest Tennessee late last summer into the fall (2019). Those grasshoppers mated in captivity and deposited egg pods. Those egg pods were hatched during the winter indoors. After having over 200 adults almost ready to begin egg laying, we were struck with a fatal error that wiped out our breeding stock to 100 in number. These remaining grasshoppers have grown large after lots of experimentation with lighting, temperature, and feed. They are now laying eggs pods with gusto.

Egg pods in individual cups. 

According to literature, each Melanoplus differentialis pod should contain around 100 eggs depending on the size of the pod. We are conducting our own experiments by placing each pod into its own incubation cup. This will allow for testing of different incubation and hatching protocol, and also to gather data about hatching rates.

Keeping track of each egg pod as it goes from being deposited until hatching. 

If all goes well, Thoptera should see mass hatching begin to occur in late June well into July. Anyone in the market for grasshoppers?

Egg pod typical size thus far.

Grasshopper Feeding Time

I have been growing several different types of grasses for the grasshoppers to feed on. This spring I planted milo, sudan grass, and wheat in my family's garden. I know that Melanoplus differentialis enjoy eating sudan grass since that is what I feed the wild caught insects last fall until frost.

Grasshopper feed right out of the garden.

 The grasshoppers really enjoyed some fresh produce straight from the garden. I am sure it was a welcomed treat considering they usually are fed romaine lettuce grown somewhere on the west coast of the U.S. I cut the trio of grasses and took them right in to feed to the hoppers. Talk about a fresh meal.