Grasshopper, locust

Definition

six-legged winged insect characterized by the fact that its third pair of legs is elongated and adapted to hopping; Acrididae family; moves in swarms that migrate to new areas, which they colonize; at other times lives solitary or in small groups; eaten cooked by toasting, grilling, frying, or broiling, though in some places they are also eaten raw; because of their large numbers and swarming characteristics, locusts were a symbol of a vast attacking army against which there was no defense and also a symbol of divine punishment