Energy Content of Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in the Diet of Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) in Southeastern New Mexico

Authors

J.L. Hunt, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR
M.E. Grilliot, Auburn University - Montgomery, Montgomery, AL
T.L. Best, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
C.M. Wilkerson, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR
A.F. Huitt, University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR

Keywords

scaled quail diet, grasshopper energy content

Abstract

Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) are common insects that are important food items for many kinds of wildlife, including many species of upland game birds such as scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). We analyzed the energy content of grasshoppers obtained from the crops of scaled quail collected from plainsmesa sand-scrub in Lea and Eddy counties, New Mexico. Grasshoppers were removed from crops and dried for 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture and standardize masses. Grasshoppers were then pulverized and analyzed for gross caloric value (i.e., energy content) in an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Energy content of grasshoppers from New Mexico averaged 19.2 J/kg (4.6 kcal/g) and was comparable to that of other, plant-based food items previously reported from the diet of scaled quail.

Recommended Citation

Hunt, J.L.; Grilliot, M.E.; Best, T.L.; Wilkerson, C.M.; and Huitt, A.F. (2023) "Energy Content of Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in the Diet of Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) in Southeastern New Mexico," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 77, Article 15.
https://doi.org/10.54119/jaas.2023.77114
Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol77/iss1/15