# Cuticular and Exuvial Biomass and Nitrogen Economy During Assimilation and Growth of the American Grasshopper, Schistocerca americana

## TL;DR

This study examines how the American grasshopper assimilates and loses nitrogen during its development from egg to adult.

## Contribution

The paper provides new data on nitrogen assimilation and molting-related nitrogen losses in Schistocerca americana.

## Key findings

- Grasshopper biomass increased 7-fold in males and 9-fold in females from egg to adult.
- Total body nitrogen content increased 23-fold in males and 25-fold in females.
- Molting resulted in 11-13% biomass and 11-12% nitrogen loss in both sexes.

## Abstract

The American grasshopper is native to North America, with populations primarily occurring in the eastern United States and the Bahamas. Although it is not considered a severe agricultural pest, it is capable of causing significant damage to many kinds of crops and is considered to be the most destructive grasshopper in Florida. One aspect of this insect’s basic biology that has not been studied is the assimilation of nitrogen during their development from egg to adult. This report provides information on nitrogen assimilation during the growth process, along with an assessment of the amount of nitrogen lost during the molting processes. We found that the body weight for both males and females increased significantly during their development and that the nitrogen losses due to molting were also significant.

The role of nitrogen metabolism during insect development and reproduction is of primary importance for the success of a species. We conducted a study designed to examine the nitrogen economy of Schistocerca americana from hatching to adulthood, focusing on the processes associated with the assimilation and growth linked to cuticular nitrogen investment, as well as the exuvial nitrogen losses resulting from molting. During development, the grasshopper biomass from the egg stage to the adult stage increased 7-fold for males and 9-fold for females, while their total body nitrogen content increased 23-fold for males and 25-fold for females. During the growth process, the total biomass lost from molting as discarded exuvia was 13% for males and 12% for females. Similarly, the exuvial nitrogen lost during the molting process was 11% for males and 11% for females.