(a) Biological Characteristics of Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are versatile insects, valued both for their nutritional benefits and medicinal properties. They belong to the order Orthoptera and are oviparous. According to data, there are approximately 859 species of grasshoppers worldwide, but only two are commonly used in traditional medicine: the East Asian locust and the rice hopper. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds such as insect hormones, they also contain essential vitamins like A, B, and C, as well as minerals including phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, and manganese. Not only are they a nutritious food source, but they are also believed to help treat various conditions, such as tetanus, childhood convulsions, fever, and asthma. Grasshoppers are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes, and they reproduce naturally through mating. Under natural conditions, they complete two generations per year—once in summer and once in autumn.

(b) Construction of a Grasshopper Breeding Shed

A suitable breeding shed should be constructed in an area with good ventilation and drainage. The floor of the shed should be about 10 cm higher than the surrounding ground to prevent water accumulation. The soil should ideally be sandy loam, which is ideal for egg-laying. Planting monocots such as wheat or corn within the shed can provide a natural food source for the grasshoppers. The size of the shed depends on the number of grasshoppers being raised; for every 10,000 grasshoppers, approximately 15 square meters of space is needed. Shelves made from angle irons or wooden sticks can be installed to maximize space. The shed should be covered with gauze to allow airflow while preventing escape. A doorway should be built, with a zippered entrance to keep grasshoppers inside and people out. The height of the shed should be between 1.5 to 2 meters, offering protection from cold and rain. It can also be covered with plastic sheeting for added insulation. In natural breeding environments, the construction of the shed must be completed by the end of April to ensure optimal conditions for growth.

(III) Feeding and Management of Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers thrive in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, with a relative humidity of 85% to 92%, and soil moisture content between 15% and 18%. If the temperature drops below 14°C or rises above 40°C, grasshoppers will stop feeding and eventually die. At temperatures between 28°C and 30°C, their eggs begin to hatch. To prepare for hatching, mix non-toxic soil with sawdust in a 1:2 ratio, ensuring the water content is between 20% and 30%. Spread 3 to 5 cm of this mixture in a container, place the grasshopper eggs on top, and cover them with a thin layer of the soil-sawdust mix. Finally, cover the container with a plastic film and check it every half day. Once small grasshoppers emerge, use a soft brush to transfer them to the feeding area in the shed. The hatching process usually takes 10 to 15 days. Newly hatched grasshoppers feed on young shoots of wheat, corn, and weeds, but their appetite is very small at first. As they grow, they molt every 5 to 7 days, typically 5 times before reaching adulthood, which takes about 27 to 35 days. After reaching maturity, female grasshoppers begin laying eggs, producing around 70 to 100 eggs each. Grasshoppers tend to live in groups and migrate, so it's important to provide some disturbance before spawning to encourage movement and increase reproductive success. Eggs laid before winter should be covered with wheat bran or weeds to keep them warm and moist, protecting them from freezing. Adult grasshoppers should be sold promptly if not intended for breeding.

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