Does space matter? Estimation and evaluation of required space for commercial mass culture of grasshoppers (Acridoidea: Orthoptera)

Abstract

A space-dependent mortality assay was performed on thirty-one short-horned adult grasshopper species (Acridoidea: Orthoptera) to estimate the space required for mass culture of acridids in captivity. Our findings show that acridids have a multidimensional mortality mode at different densities. The correlations between density and mortality of acridids in rearing units follow a sigmoidal curve. Acridid mortality significantly increases with individual numbers up to a threshold, after which mortality does not change even if the density increases further. A log-logistic sigmoidal function expresses the dose (density)-response (mortality) relationship in the majority of acridid species. Mortality of acridids at variable densities does not necessarily correspond with the body-mass of the insects, indicating that mortality is a body-mass independent event. As a ready reference, a utility chart has been prepared, providing the necessary conversion factor for estimating space for a given number of acridids. The present information will be helpful for commercial grasshopper farming in captivity.