I seem to have a new pet.. an emerald green grasshopper. It is still very young, only about 3/4-1 inch long, and has not developed it's wings yet. I caught it hanging out in my sage
plant. I was going to catch it in a jar and put it in the alley with the
weeds, but not only did it cooperatingly jump into the jar for me, I have not been able to make it come out.
Sooo, it is still hanging out in the jar, and seems very content to munch lettuce with no predators to worry about. I read recently that a large population of grasshopper species are omnivorous and in some cases even mainly eat insects. I think it might be a snakeweed grasshopper but as it does not have all it's markings yet- it's hard to say for sure. It is lime green with a cream colored stripe running down the sides of its abdomen, and has a cream-colored stripe along each eye. If it is beneficial, I can let it go and will not have to worry about the many leafy
plants in my garden (or the
seedlings..) but if it is not, I am afraid it will be doomed to being my pet in a semi-roomy jar with lettuce lunches and no predators. (I just don't have the heart to kill it at this point, and it doesn't wanna leave, soooo, call me silly.. I kinda like the little guy.) Anyway, if anyone knows about the species and whether or not it is actually a threat or benefit- I would appreciate the help.
Thank you-
Tempest~
