Grasshopper In Morning Light

I found this little grasshopper sunning himself on a zinnia flower at sunrise. I believe it is a two striped grasshopper (Melanoplus bivittatus). Grasshoppers can be found nearly all summer in Maine, but are the most noticeable in the fall of the year when adults can be found on flowers and weeds. They are easiest to photograph in the early morning as they are lethargic until their bodies warm in the sun. They are most active during the heat of the day and provide another photo opportunity at the end of the day when it cools down. If you are interested in photographing grasshoppers (or you just want to observe them) aim for early morning or late afternoon just before sunset. Not only will they be less active, the light will be ideal for photography, too.

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