Grasshopper Baby

The boys have become grasshopper catchers. They both are a little skittish when it comes to picking them up, but when they do they feel pretty proud of themselves. They think the best method for catching a grasshopper is to get a hold of one of its back legs. Having once been a grasshopper catching specialist I think it is easier just to cup them in your hand, but I haven't convinced them of that.

We have an 8 year old neighbor boy who also likes to catch grasshoppers. But he likes to rip their heads off and watch them still kick. Gross I know. Although I remember my siblings doing that also. Sick...I shouldn't think about such things when I am pregnant and eating a bowl of soft ripe peaches.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I went outside and the boys along with their friend came running up to show me their baby grasshopper. The neighbor found a grasshopper and when he tore it's head off out came a little baby. In his hand was a wriggly little white worm. I looked at it for a half second and the first thing I said was, "Are you sure the grasshopper was alive when you caught it?" They said it was...maybe.

I just shook my head and said, "Nope, that is a maggot, not a baby grasshopper." Of course I didn't know anything and the next thing I knew they had named the maggot Tiki. Then Tiki moved into a fancy condo (i.e. plastic container) to come and live on our front porch. Decorated tastefully with grass clippings, a rock, and a few leaves. That night the boys wanted to bring Tiki in the house. No way was I letting them bring a maggot in the house...even if it was a baby.