A Smidgen of a Memory?

  While I realize that bugs are not supposed to have memories much beyond where their last meal was eaten but sometimes I just have to wonder.   Back a month ago, I allowed a bird grasshopper to go on its merry way after photographing it.  The critter had just shed its outer layer was was highly vulnerable at the moment.  I could have easily smashed it to smithereens and saved the garden leaves a good bit of chomping.  I figured what harm could one bug do....other than lay a bunch of eggs and create hordes of baby grasshoppers.  My hindsight should warn my foresight of these things.  Son always tells me that an second of foresight saves a lot of labor whereas a year of hindsight has never done anything.  Well, I suppose I will find out soon enough.

  But...back to that critter memory....or lack thereof.  While out in the garden this morning (and then again this afternoon), I noticed that a bird grasshopper flew to my shoulder.  Could this be the same lady that was changing her wardrobe in the fig tree last month?  I have no way of knowing but the critter insisted on riding around the garden while perched on my red shirt.  After a bit, I gently relocated the bug to the wire arbor.  Not once did it shimmy away nor did it try to hide.  It merely sat.  Then this afternoon while picking tomatoes, the grasshopper once again hitched a ride on my arm.  It stayed put  as I strolled through the garden and then hopped off when I reached the gate.

  Was this the same critter?  Did it remember the kindness that I had shown it when it was at its weakest?  Was it trying to return the favor in its own way by gracing me with its presence?  Probably not on all accounts but it is something nice to think.  Then, again, maybe this grasshopper just likes red shirts.