locust

I am not 100% on the species identification but it is a real big beastie at around 7cm long!

comments (15)

Joost Thissen

Lion

Wow, great colors! Posted 12 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Awesome species, very sharp, beautiful...homepage material again. Posted 12 years ago

WildFlower

Lion

Although some identify it as Phymateus viridipes
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0807+1342

I would rather bet on Phymateus leprosus - Toxic Milkweed Grasshopper
http://140.247.119.138/africa/album/source/phymateus.htm
http://aylestone8.wordpress.com/tag/phymateus-viridipes/
http://www.ispot.org.za/node/161668

The nymphs you had posted earlier are of the same species

There is no wiki page so here's some information about it.
The bushhopper Phymateus leprosus (Fabricius) in the field shows a special appetite for the milkweed Asclepias fruticosa. Asclepiadaceae, like Apocynaceae and Scrophulariaceae, contain cardiac glycosides. Raw and purified extracts of these plants phagostimulate larval and adult P. leprosus.
http://www.zfmk.de/BZB/BzB_56_1_03_Koehler.pdf
http://saphotographs.blogspot.com/2013/06/green-milkweed-locust-phymateus-leprosus.html
http://www.ispot.org.za/node/189745 Posted 12 years ago, modified 12 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Wow, you really know your insects! Thank you for that and I totally agree with you. As wiki does not have a listing for leprosus I shall leave it as it is, better than no specie at all!
  Thanks again!!! Posted 12 years ago
2. 1. WildFlower
    
    Lion
    
    Well, not really... I am just starting to explore them, but I do spend a lot of time searching :) Posted 12 years ago, modified 12 years ago
  2. WildFlower
    
    Lion
    
    Species created. Posted 11 years ago
  3. 1. Claire Hamilton
      
      Lion
      
      Thanks Wildflower, I had completely forgotten about this one! Posted 11 years ago
3. Ludo Sak
  
  Lion
  
  Amazing ID, WF, well done! Posted 12 years ago
4. 1. WildFlower
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks, Ludo, I'm doing my best! Posted 12 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

This kinda shot with a 400mm zoom, I would be on my knees and up close and personal for this one:) I want a 400mm too:) Posted 12 years ago

Claire Hamilton

Lion

If I had the lens to get up into his face believe me I would have! I am sure I could have got some great shots. I am saving!! Posted 12 years ago
1. WildFlower
  
  Lion
  
  The question is whether the hopper would have approved it ;) Posted 12 years ago
2. 1. Claire Hamilton
    
    Lion
    
    Damned thing was around again today, even let me get close enough to touch it. Tomorrow I am taking a wide angle lens and hope he hasn't 'hopped' it! Oh I wish I had a macro! Posted 12 years ago

Karl Loeffler Henry

Green Fly

Dear Claire,
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the biology department at Carleton University in Canada. I am currently in the process of publishing a study about the evolution of chemically defended animals. I am seeking permission to use this photograph as part of a figure in the study. This is because the Phymateus genus of grasshoppers illustrate a evolutionary phenomena that is the focus of the study. Of course, you will be acknowledged and credited as the photographer, in the figure legend. Additionally, once the study is published, I will share a PDF copy.

I can be reached at KarlLoefflerHenry@cmail.carleton.ca
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Karl
Posted 2 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  With pleasure Karl and I have emailed you permission. Good luck with the study. Posted 2 years ago

The Leprous grasshopper

The leprous grasshopper (Phymateus leprosus) is an African species of toxic milkweed grasshopper that gives out an unpleasant protective foam when disturbed.

Info 6 0

Similar species: Grasshoppers And Crickets

Species identified by WildFlower