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New Article: Grasshoppers and Locusts as Herp Food and Terrarium Subjects

Coastal Groovin

Coastal Groovin

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Are they really safe for Salamanders?. Their hard spiked legs and hard heads always made me think they could be a impaction risk.
 
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findi

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Hi Bill,

Good point, thanks for raising it. Nymphs/young stages of many species are fairly soft, and I've not had problems with the legs; however, care is necessary, especially when dealing with small salamanders. Tree crickets and some of the smaller terrestrial cricket species are also safe. If in doubt, you can pinch the rear legs at the "knee", and they will be shed, as happens woth House Crickets. Best, Frank
 
Coastal Groovin

Coastal Groovin

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When you raise red-legged grasshoppers how many offspring did you get from each female? Another question I have is do you think the eggs need to be frozen? They are laid only inches down in soil and must freeze solid for days and weeks during winter.
 
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findi

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Hi Bill,

I had only a few dozen from what were likely hundreds of eggs...freezing would be worth a try, as they are exposed to such temps in wild as you mention. They and Carolina Grasshoppers have wide ranges; I was hoping that a quick chill would be enough. Details vary by species...some temperate insects (Asian sp, mostly) that I worked with responded well to quick chills; Chinese mantid eggs will hatch without any chill (nymphs are great food for all sorts of small herps, by the way)...lots to learn. Best, Frank
 
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