How to Catch a Grasshopper

Catching a grasshopper is harder than it sounds. With two different sets of eyes that allow a grasshopper to see forwards, backwards, and sideways at the same time, these insects are able to move quickly to avoid being caught.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass jar
  • Scissors
  • Cheesecloth
  • Rubber band
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean a clear glass jar to use for the cage and cut a piece of cheesecloth for the top. The cheesecloth will allow the grasshopper to breathe once you've captured it.

    • 2

      Search for grasshoppers in a large grassy area. Grasshoppers are herbivores and live where there's lots of vegetation.

    • 3

      Move slowly when you find them. If you move quickly, they will see you and jump or fly out of the way.

    • 4

      Sneak up on a grasshopper from behind with the glass jar held in one hand. When you reach the grasshopper, lift the glass jar directly above the insect keeping the jar upside down.

    • 5

      Cover the grasshopper quickly with the glass jar. Once you have a grasshopper in the jar, lift one of the sides of the top very slightly to allow you to slide the cheesecloth under the top.

    • 6

      Flip the jar upside down with one hand on the cheesecloth and the other on the glass jar. Raise the cheesecloth just enough to be able to put grass inside the jar to provide food for the insect.

    • 7

      Secure the cheesecloth to the glass jar with a rubber band. Wrap the rubber band around the cloth and jar several times to ensure the cheesecloth is on their tightly.