Grasshopper Anatomy Flashcards

Anatomy of Grasshopper

• Antennae: Located on the head; sensory organs for detecting smells and environmental cues.

• Head: Anterior section housing the brain and sensory equipment; contains the mouth for food intake.

• Ocelli: Simple eyes situated behind the antennae; detect light presence and intensity, not detailed images.

• Compound Eye: Large structure behind the antennae; critical for vision in the grasshopper.

• Walking Legs: First two pairs of legs; facilitate locomotion.

• Tarsus: Final segment of the leg; acts as the foot, providing stability.

• Tibia: Positioned between tarsus and femur; enables movement necessary for walking and jumping.

• Femur: Located between tibia and trochanter; top section of the leg that allows tibia movement.

• Trochanter: Anatomical connection between femur and coxa; aids leg functionality.

• Coxa: Segment that connects the leg to the body; allows leg mobility while anchoring them.

Thorax Structure

• Thorax: Central section between the head and abdomen; comprises prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax, housing legs and wings.

• Prothorax: The first part of the thorax; serves as protective armor for vital organs such as the digestive tract.

• Mesothorax: Middle thoracic section; fused with metathorax to create a rigid structure for housing flight muscles and wings.

• Metathorax: Last third of the thorax; similarly fused with mesothorax, supporting flight capabilities.

Abdomen Features

• Abdomen: Posterior end of the grasshopper; encloses digestive and reproductive organs, often covered by wings.

• Forewing: Top pair of wings; provide flight and protection for hindwings.

• Hindwing: Bottom pair of wings; essential for flight.

• Tympanum: Circular structure on the first abdominal segment; functions in sound detection.

• Segments: Partitioned sections along the abdomen; allow exoskeleton flexibility.

• Spiracle: Small openings on abdominal segments; serve as breathing pores for the respiratory system.

• Ovipositor: Located near the anus in females; used for laying fertilized eggs in the soil.

Mouthparts and Digestive System

• Jumping Legs: Last pair of legs; specialized for jumping.

• Labrum: Upper lip part of the mouth; forms the anterior boundary of the mouth cavity.

• Mandible: Jaws designed to crush and chew food prior to swallowing.

• Maxilla: Tri-pronged mouthpart; assists in maneuvering food into the mouth.

• Labium: Lower lip, resembling a tick; retains saliva and chewed food in the mouth.

• Maxillary Palp: Elongated segment on the maxilla; aids in food manipulation.

• Labial Palp: Long segment on the labium; also helps in food movement.

• Ganglia: Bulbous structures along the ventral nerve cord; part of the nervous system.

• Mouth: Located below the pharynx; responsible for food intake.

• Pharynx: Muscle-driven section post-mouth; pushes food into the esophagus.

• Esophagus: Tube connecting to the crop; transports ingested food.

• Crop: Pre-gizzard storage area; temporarily holds food before digestion.