Paddy just got given one of these crazy solar powered grasshoppers. As soon as you put it in the sun it vibrates enough to make the critter scamper around the floor just like a real insect.

Order the Solar Powered Grasshopper online at Amazon!

For the price, I recommend you get a few because they are quite scary in small groups 🙂

We also got a solar cockroach although as you will see from the pictures it’s solar cell is much smaller than the grasshopper’s so it needs stronger sunlight. Both solar cells really need direct sunlight to get them scampering. you won’t get any movement on cloudy days or even under bright lamps.

[flashvideo file=http://paddysgarden.com/garden/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/PaddysGarden.com-SolarGrasshopper.flv /]
Paddy’s grasshopper video (press play) or watch on youtube

The solar powered grasshopper and solar powered cockroach both use the same technique to generate movement. There is a tiny motor inside that has an unbalanced weight on it. When the solar cell generates power it is fed to the motor which turns the unbalanced weight and vibrates the grasshopper enough to move it in a haphazard path.

Paddy's solar powered roach and grasshopper

The grasshoppers will only move around on hard flat surfaces like bricks or table tops.

Can you see Paddy?

They’re solar powered crickets are also amusing at the office but make sure you have access to some direct sunlight.

Order the Solar Powered Grasshopper online at Amazon!