Here, in fact, in the insect's crop, the syrup is accumulated, the sugary sap which the Cicada's gimlet taps from the tender bark.

Is it because of this dainty that the prey's abdomen is preferred to any other morsel?
It is quite possible.
I do, in fact, with a view to varying the diet, decide to serve up some very sweet fruits, slices of pear, grape-bits, bits of melon.

All this meets with delighted appreciation.

The Green Grasshopper resembles the English: she dotes on underdone meat seasoned with jelly.

This perhaps is why, on catching the Cicada, she first rips up his paunch, which supplies a mixture of flesh and preserves.
To eat Cicadae and sugar is not possible in every part of the country.
In the north, where she abounds, the Green Grasshopper would not find the dish which attracts her so strongly here.