Now hang on, before you stone me by saying; "Oh shame, poor grasshopper", this is not a grasshopper!
Ever heard of Locusts?
Locusts pose as grasshoppers during their development period and here we see them being harvested.
The bird is a "Jacky Hanger", also known as the "Butcher bird" in some countries, because they store their prey by hanging them on spikes and thorns, to eat them in lean times. In fact the birds are "Fiscal Shrikes"
In this case the bird actually ate the locust after catching it in the air!
As the Kite Hawk lands with its prey in the claws, just so does the Jacky hanger also land!
I am sure that I don't have to tell you what ruin a swarm of locusts can cost a farmer when they raid his lands?
A strange development is that swarming locusts can at times appear as ordinary grey-green giant grasshoppers!
Another discovery is that insects have a multi genetical system within one species. One female's eggs result in different orders of insects (workers, soldiers and reproductives). Amazing isn't it?
The mystery of the locust swarms was also solved, as some years they appear in huge swarms to sow destruction and other years they disappear. No one knew why, but many people had opinions ranging from a magical appearance to saying that they hide and breed in caves. In the meantime, the locusts were around all the time, posing as grasshoppers. Once they get together, their development transforms into locusts, as they then switch into a "second genetic programme" meaning that their color changes and their wings grow longer! They transform into real locusts!
At times I wonder if the human system isn't similar!
Liars can appear as honest souls until they are cornered by the truth. Murderers can appear as ordinary good people! Some pastors are wolves wearing sheep skins. Some best friends turn out as worst friends! Some charity leaders seen as full of compassion turn out to be greedy souls. Not even to talk about politicians and there are many other examples!
No one seems to be what they appear to be and there are very few people in the world that has not been foxed and hurt by another innocent, or genuine appearing human being!
Think about it!
Thank you for visiting a post by @papilloncharity
Note: the photos are my own and all information was taken from the book; "Insectopedia" by 'Erik Holm"
ISBN: 978-1-77584-198-2
Team South Africa banner designed by @bearone
How beautiful is the nature of our surroundings Our nature looks more beautiful than the sky, which only birds can see. Birds enjoy this beautiful nature every day.
Thank you and glad that you liked it!
Wow, who would have thought such a pretty bird would be capable of being such a harsh predator! But like you say, "in sheep's clothing"!
I don't know who are worse predators, birds or man? I personally think that human predators that prey on the weak, the lost and the lonely are so much worse!
Lovely shot my friend @papilloncharity!! It looks like the bird caught a grasshopper.
Yup! It certainly looks like it, but it is the great pest called "Locusts" that mimics grasshoppers!
Oh i am enlighten now. Thank you my friend.
Butcher bird a handsome fellow with meal in claw, nice analogy about the locusts to human behaviour.
Insects manage to accomplish change with pizzazz @papilloncharity
Such a pity that we cannot manage change as humans Lady Joan, we rather fear it and cling with all our might to our old existing ways, You are right, nature teaches change with pizzazz! Blessings!