Physiological changes necessary to scale an insect's size up while maintaining a catapult jumping mechanism and jump/body ratio?

I understand that one does not simply scale up the smallest of creatures to the size of megafauna without violating basic physiological constraints like the square/cube law, among others; so what would have to take place to take a grasshopper and enlarge it to the relative size of a grizzly bear (in terms of 3D space) and preserve its catapult jumping system?

The only thing that need remain in terms of 'grasshopper-ness, or cricket-ness' is the catapult jumping system, and preferably a frightening insectoid appearance. It need not look at all like our starting-creatures.

• Higher oxygen content in the air?
• Sturdier body-plan (i.e. thicker carapace? Different materials? Wider joints/legs?)
• Bird-bone-esque adaptation of weight to power? Or is this irrelevant with mostly slow-twitch muscle at the play in the catapult system?

I'm trying to think through a creature that relies on jumping and mechanoreception to hunt prey, and is somewhat frightening to behold.

posted over 4 years ago

Delirium‭

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