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Toxic Milkweed GrasshoppersSouth African Grasshopper
Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 7:43 AM
Photographed at Cape Point, SA. A photo is attached.
Brett
Cape Point, South Africa
Hi Brett,
This is an immature Toxic Milkweed Grasshopper, AKA Gaudy Grasshopper, AKA Bushlocust, in the family Pyrgomorphidae. It may be Phymateus saxosus, but we are not certain. Grasshoppers in this family feed on toxic milkweed and stores the toxic compounds in their bodies. If injested, sickness or possibly even death may result. The warning colors are a signal to not eat.
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Comments 1
Its really surprising that milkweed can survive in South Africa.
Posted 07 Jan 2009 at 9:02 am ¶Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.
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