Insects are the most diverse class of animals on the planet with over 1 million named species. Scientists estimate that there are millions more species to be classified. Preserved grasshoppers, from the order Orthoptera, are excellent specimens to explore basic insect anatomy. The lubber grasshopper (Romalea) is often used because it is large and readily available. Like many grasshopper species, it is an agricultural pest.

The grasshopper clearly illustrates the main features of adult insects:

• Three distinct body regions—head, thorax, and abdomen
• Three pairs of legs
• One pair of antennae

Also, like many insects, it has 2 pairs of wings, although its wings are smaller than those of most grasshopper species.

Below is a brief survey of the internal and external anatomy of the grasshopper. This dissection can be done as an introduction for students just learning about insect anatomy or used for comparative anatomy discussions in upper level high school and college courses. The dissection requires only dissecting scissors and can be done in 1 class period.

For more detailed dissection instructions and information, check out Carolina® Dissection Kits.