I posted something similar a bit ago of this same species but like this shot enough to share another. I had to employ the same strategy to get this shot, encouraging it to move around fully exposed to the camera.
The Red-legged Grasshopper-Melanoplus femurrubrum is possibly our most numerous species, at least in the locations I visit. Easily identified by its namesake postibia and occasionally hind femur showing red, I am almost as happy photographing them repeatedly as I am bullfrogs…almost.
As you may be able to tell, the 180 appears to be as good as ever…maybe better.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Amazing details!
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Thank you.
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How fortunate that your encouragement led to this fine portrait. Happy 180.
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Happy indeed. Thanks.
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It looks like it’s been enjoying the taste of the stem it’s circling around.
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It does although that is a leg.There are several insects, butterflies especially, that taste with their feet so maybe this grasshopper is doing so as well.
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Oh — I was looking at the stem itself, rather than the grasshopper. I’ve been noticing the actual nibblings recently, since reading that if there’s no insect around, you can tell whether it’s a grasshopper or caterpillar that’s been causing damage by the edge of the nibble. Caterpillars leave a smooth margin, while grasshoppers aren’t so neat, and the edges of their nibbles tend to be ragged.
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Ah, I see what you mean now. I did not see it nibbling but it sure does look like it must have been. It would be quite a coincidence that it was on a spot someone else chewed. Maybe that is why it wandered around the grass stalk rather than hopping away as I encouraged it to enter my frame.
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Wow, the details are amazing – my eye wants to linger!
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They are amazingly constructed and almost seem armor clad. I find studying insect details mesmerizing at times. Glad you do too, Eliza.
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Great Image Steve! Love the detail!
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Thanks, Reed.
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Just wow!
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Thank you, Ann-Christine. 🙂
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What a lugubrious expression!
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Not too many insects have a big grin when you photograph them. 🙂
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