Naming
It was previously known as ''Romalea microptera'' before being moved to guttata. However after new research, the remaining names have been marked as ''nomen oblitum'' and ''microptera'' takes priority once more.
Behavior
''Romalea guttata'' goes through several stages, like all insects. When in the nymph stage, it is smaller than in the adult stage, wingless and completely black with one or more yellow, orange or red stripes. In the adult stage, they reach 2.5–3 in , grow wings half the length of their body and become either a dull yellow often characterized by black spots and markings, a bright orange with black markings, or entirely black with yellow or red striping. In the black adult color phase, the grasshopper is widely known by the name "diablo" or "black diablo". In Louisiana, they are known as the "Devil's horse" or "'". The insect is also colloquially known as a "graveyard grasshopper". In Mississippi they are known as "giant locust".
Defense
''Romalea guttata'' has several defense strategies. The first is its brightly colored warning pattern . Additionally, the insect emits a foul-smelling and foul-tasting foamy secretion from the thorax when it is disturbed. The secretion is dark colored and opaque. It also lets off a loud hissing sound that can scare animals.References:
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