More Hatchlings...

Hundreds of grasshopper nymphs.

We had lots of new hatch-lings this week. It will be interesting to see how many survive. Plenty of moisture is key for hatching.

Thoptera Growth

Thoptera, the only US commercial grasshopper breeding operation (as far as we know) is ramping up....

The first generation of hatched Melanoplus differentialis (Differential) grasshopper nymphs are reaching maturity. Several are now starting to lay egg pods.

Differential Grasshoppers basking in an incandescent heat bulb. Some are attached to the outer wall screen. Others are perched on a wire basking frame inside the growth chamber. Romaine lettuce can be seen in the foreground, which presently serves at the primary grasshopper food source.

Learning & Experimentation

Much has been learned over the last few months. Initially LED "daylight" light bars were being utilized for 14 hours per day in each grow chamber. A ceramic heat emitter (no light source) was being used to provide heat for the grasshoppers 24 hours per day. The first group that was hatched in captivity was undersized and the color of the grasshoppers was very pale, almost translucent white. 

Recently, the ceramic heat emitters were replaced with incandescent bulbs (75 to 100 Watt) to provide heat and UVA basking. These are left on 24 hours per day currently. In addition, a UVB bulb has been added to each growth chamber. These are programmed to remain on for about 14 hours per day, mimicking natural daylight hours.

This change immediately resulted in larger and more naturally colored grasshopper.

Differential Grasshopper laying egg pods.

There are still several American Grasshoppers (Schistocerca americana) still alive from when they were caught in the wild in the late summer months. They have been living in captivity for nearly 6 months. They have laid egg pods, but to date, none have successfully hatched. 

American Grasshopper attempting to lay eggs in sand tray inside growth chamber.

 One grasshopper has been repeatedly drilling egg pod holes in the sand trays located inside the growing chamber.

American Grasshopper loitering around inside the growth chamber.

What's next?

Several batches of egg pods are in the incubation queue. Many will be hatching in the coming weeks. This is where exponential population growth should occur.

In addition, more will be wild caught during the next few months as well.