Endangered insects

[Herd900rd]

I hear the odd one or two in grass verges when cycling, as well as on the hill. As kids we used to try to catch them, and there seemed to be a lot more around then (30+ years ago). Warmer, drier weather suits them, I would guess.

[aeshna5]

I wonder whether you just aren't hearing them much now because of age related hearing loss- something I seem to be experiencing now!

Though there has been habitat loss, many species, especially some of the bush-crickets, have greatly expanded their range over the last couple of decades.

[Beekeeper]

Originally Posted by snowdrop

Has anyone heard/seen a grasshopper?

Back in the '80s I often had them in my garden but none in the later years. I was over the moon to hear one rasping away somewhere in the border this morning.

snowdrop

if you like you can have some of mine, always lots in the garden and this year seems to be particularly good.

I do have a couple of overgrown areas one of which is a bramble patch, the other is just grasses and every time i walk over it they are hopping off in all directions, might take a few pictures if i can find a few different ones.

BK

[Wild-Woman]

Although we've experienced an expansion in range with some orthopterates, habitat loss is inevitable. Housing has covered many an allotment which used to be home to more urban species. Gardening practises have changed and long grass is mowed within an inch of its life, weeds are poisoned, lawns are patioed over. Since my childhood, I'm sure there are less sadly.

[Herd900rd]

Thank you for that thought. May be the hearing has deteriorated but the appreciation has increased.

[2dogs2000]

Originally Posted by Herd900rd

Thank you for that thought. May be the hearing has deteriorated but the appreciation has increased.

I hadn't realised my hearing had deteriorated until my nephew kept on about the noise of the grasshoppers in the park and I realised I couldn't hear any. Otherwise my hearing is not a problem.