This all started with an innocent visit to my grandfather-in-law, near Lake Placid, Florida. Sitting at the table, I noticed something on the window. Being a Frank with very curious eyes, I said to myself: "self, what is that". So I went outside and found a wonderful multicolored grasshopper. I looked hard, suggesting that he should be in the grass, and sure enough, with a little coaxing, he jumped to the grass. This was too beautiful an insect to keep for myself. This is a perfect addition to the learning center, where I am building a collection of insects. This is number 2 (after Natasha, the spider). So I made photos, asked Google to feed my curiosity, and here are the initial ideas. To my surprise, there are some very interesting stories about navigation and smelling from studies of this and similar grasshoppers. Some initial links are at the bottom.

• Aditional links at the University of Florida
• All about grasshoppers
• Lab exercises @ Lander