The common English Grasshopper (Rhammatocerus biguttulus), whose song must be familiar to every one who has walked through the fields during the summer time, is produced by the friction of the hinder thighs against the wing-cases.
The locusts have been celebrated from the dawn of history on account of the terrible ravages which they have committed in various parts of the world; and although many different species have made their appearance in our own country at various times, the climate, fortunately, seems unsuitable for them to live in, and they have, therefore, not been known to breed here.
The Migratory Locust (Ædipoda migratoria) is perhaps the best known in this country on account of its visits, many stray individuals of which have visited us at different periods.
Locusts are known all the world over, in fact, nearly every country has a species peculiar to itself. The most extraordinary accounts are on record of the vastness of the swarms which every now and again invade particular districts. They are said sometimes to absolutely darken the sun.
Fig. 74.—Decticus Verrucivorus.
Fig. 75.—Locusta Peregrina.
They clear off everything from the surface of the ground as completely as if the place had been visited by fire.