Baby grasshoppers, known as nymphs, emerge from their underground egg pods in the spring, coinciding with new plant growth. These young insects look like miniature, wingless versions of the adults. The diet of a grasshopper nymph is almost exclusively herbivorous, meaning they feed on vegetation found in their immediate environment. This constant search for food fuels their rapid development through five to six growth stages, called instars, before they reach maturity.
The Core Diet of Grasshopper Nymphs
The primary sustenance for grasshopper nymphs in the wild is tender plant material. They seek out the softest available foliage, preferring young shoots, delicate leaves, and new growth that is high in moisture content.
Grasses form a significant portion of their diet, especially soft varieties that are just beginning to sprout. They also readily consume forbs, which are herbaceous flowering plants with leaves that are generally broader than grasses. Examples of these tender broadleaf plants include clover and alfalfa, which provide high nutritional value.
Nymphs are voracious eaters due to their need to gain size quickly between molts. A single grasshopper can consume a significant amount of plant matter daily. This constant high-volume feeding is linked to their rapid growth cycle, which lasts approximately 40 to 60 days from hatching to adulthood.
Specialized Feeding Habits and Hazards
Grasshopper nymphs are considered generalist herbivores, but they exhibit selective feeding behaviors. They often choose plants that are higher in nitrogen, a compound essential for building their body tissues and developing new exoskeletons during molting.
They instinctively avoid tough, mature foliage that is difficult to chew and low in moisture. They also steer clear of plants that possess strong chemical defenses, such as those that taste bitter or contain toxic compounds. For instance, many grasshoppers avoid plants like milkweed, which contain cardiac glycosides that can be harmful if consumed.
Accidental consumption of protein is a minor component of their natural diet. Nymphs occasionally scavenge on dead insects or carrion when plant resources are scarce, providing an opportunistic boost of protein. However, their behavior is primarily adapted for grazing on plant life.
Hydration and Feeding Nymphs in Captivity
A grasshopper nymph’s requirement for hydration is satisfied by the moisture contained within the fresh plants they eat. In the wild, they do not seek out standing water sources, relying on their green diet. This constant intake of fresh, moist vegetation is fundamental to their survival.
If a nymph is kept for observation, fresh, washed greens must be provided daily to ensure they receive both food and adequate moisture. Suitable options include pesticide-free grasses, organic romaine lettuce, or slices of carrot. It is important to avoid placing an open dish of water in the enclosure, as tiny nymphs can easily fall in and drown.
Instead of a water dish, hydration should be supplied by placing a damp cotton ball in the enclosure or by lightly misting the sides of the container. Any food that wilts or dries out should be replaced promptly to maintain the necessary moisture and nutritional level.