Capturing nature's charm: Grasshopper on sunflower near a hay field

The subject matter here consists of a grasshopper, a sunflower almost in bloom and a farm tractor in the background. The tractor is hooked to a machine called a round baler.

I found this scene near a hay field. Grasshoppers of various kinds can be found in and around hay fields during summer. Sunflowers are a favorite flower grown for their yellow colors that tend to bring brightness and happiness to any rural scene.

The grasshopper sitting on the sunflower is called a two-striped slant face mermiria. This is a common grasshopper of North America. It is a flying insect that eats grass and other plants that grow in pastures and hay fields. Grasshoppers make good fish bait. Use a butterfly net to catch them.

Horrell is an artist and outdoorsman. He lives in Chaffee. He owns Painted Wren Art Gallery in Cape Girardeau.