The fluid a grasshopper expels when handled is commonly called “spit,” but it is technically a defensive regurgitation. This brownish, viscous substance is generally not considered poisonous or toxic to humans or common household pets. The insect uses this action as a deterrent when it feels threatened or physically restrained. While the fluid is unpleasant and can temporarily stain the skin, it does not contain venom or acutely toxic compounds that would cause serious harm.
The Nature of Grasshopper Regurgitation
What is observed as “spit” is actually the contents of the grasshopper’s foregut, forcibly expelled through the mouth. This defensive response is essentially the insect vomiting to discourage a potential predator from continuing its attack. The fluid is a mixture of partially digested plant matter and various digestive enzymes.
These enzymes, such as amylase, break down starches and complex carbohydrates from the insect’s herbivorous diet. This partially digested material gives the fluid its characteristic dark, sometimes molasses-like appearance, leading to the common nickname “tobacco juice.” The regurgitate is often viscous and sticky, serving as a physical annoyance to an attacker.
The Defensive Function of “Spit”
Defensive regurgitation deters predators like birds, lizards, or small mammals. When a grasshopper is grasped, the physical pressure triggers a nervous system response that causes the expulsion of the gut contents. This mechanism is a quick, last-resort defense.
The regurgitate is effective due to its often bitter or noxious taste and odor. The unpleasant flavor results from digestive enzymes and secondary compounds from the plants the grasshopper has consumed. This immediate, foul-tasting discharge encourages the predator to drop the grasshopper, allowing the insect to escape. The goal of this behavior is deterrence, not chemical toxicity.
Assessing Safety Risks for People and Pets
For humans, contact with grasshopper regurgitation is benign and poses no inherent danger beyond minor irritation. If the fluid contacts skin, it may cause temporary discoloration or slight staining, but a simple rinse with water is sufficient for cleanup. If the fluid enters the eyes, a thorough flushing with clean water is recommended to prevent mechanical irritation from the particulate matter.
For pets, the risk is low, even if a dog or cat ingests a common grasshopper. Eating a large number of insects may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Caution is necessary with certain species, such as the brightly colored Eastern Lubber Grasshopper, which sequesters toxic compounds from its diet. While the “spit” is not acutely poisonous, ingesting select grasshopper species can cause illness in pets.