Literary Research Assignment

Literary work:
"My shell is hard,my hooks like steel. My wings are fire and you cannot break my will. Cause I'm a Georgia Warhorse and I ain't easy to kill."
J.J. Grey and Mofro. Georgia Warhorse. Georgia Warhorse. Alligator Records, 2010.

Print source:
"The body has a long abdomen and shield-like upper thorax."
"These large plant-eaters can occur in huge numbers and are often considered pests to farmers and gardeners."
Todd Telander. Bugs and Slugs. Morris Book Publishing LLC. Connecticut, 2014. Page 10.

Scientific resource:

Adults of eastern lubber grasshoppers possess a variety of abilities to defend themselves. Their bright color pattern is a warning to predators that the lubber contains toxic substances. Indeed, there are several records attributing the demise of individual birds failure to exercise caution when selecting prey items. Also, small mammals such as opossums have been known to vomit violently after ingesting a lubber, and to remain ill for several hours. However, shrikes are reported to catch and kill lubbers.

If the red, yellow, and black coloration fails to keep a predator at bay, when contacted the lubber may produce a phenolic secretion from a special thoracic gland, first as a dispersant spray and then as a frothy secretion. This exudate consists of a number of phenolic and quinone compounds, some of which are irritants or toxins that deter predation by vertebrates and ants (Jones et al. 1987, Whitman et al. 1991). The exact nature of the toxic properties varies, as these grasshoppers assimilate different compounds depending on the plants they ingest. This bubbly froth is accompanied by a relatively loud hissing sound. The insect contracts the abdomen to force air out of the spiracles along with the defensive secretion. The sound is produced as the spray is being forced out of these tiny holes in the thorax called spiracles. These defensive behaviors seem to be limited to the adult stage

Authors: Clay Scherer and John Capinera, University of Florida
Photographs: John Capinera and Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida
Web Design: Don Wasik, Jane Medley 
Publication Number: EENY-6
Publication Date: October 1996. Latest revision: May 2013

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I chose these writings because they talk of the strength and ability to overcome of a small creature in a big world. The theme I had in mind is resilience. These 3 items fit together because they all cover the topic. The differences I see in these 3 things is some are scientific and some are poetic.

     This theme I feel is actually pointed toward people like myself who have dealt with struggles growing up. I know we all have them this is mine. To overcome a lot of negativity from different angles. Persevere!!