Roberta, beloved choir director....

As a biology major who has had various insect "pets" (and and few insect
"pests," too!) over the years (including my personal favorite, a female praying
mantis named Dinah that I kept one summer in grad school. When I went home for
the summer, my not-yet boyfriend-who-became-hubby kept her for me, much to the
dismay of his squeemish roomate who was not fond of her eating habits!), I beg
to disagree with your "sucking and singing" assessment. (Is that anything like
pickin' and grinnin'?)

Grasshoppers (those that "sing" anyway), as well as their cousins the crickets
"sing" with their wings and/or legs. Come to think of it, insects "breathe"
through holes all over their bodies. So, they are MORE than capable of sucking
and singing at the same time!!! Not only that, but generally it is the males who
do the singing, to attract a sweetie. The females of some species produce soft
noises.

Perhaps someone with a camcorder can tape the choir session. I would LOVE to
hear the melodious tones of all you Lactnetters rubbing your legs/wings together
in perfect harmony!!!! The sight would be something to behold, too!

:-)

Melissa Vickers, IBCLC ("I Be a Chirpin' Lactation Consultant!")
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