South-African Grasshopper
June 10, 2009
I saw many of these grasshoppers in this part of South-Africa. I really wonder what type it is and why this species if flourishing?
David
Tsjisjikamma National Park, Plettenburg Bay, South-Africa
Dear David,
These are mating Gaudy Grasshoppers, or Toxic Milkweed Grasshoppers, or Bush Locusts in the family Pyrgomorphidae. We believe your species is Phymateus leprosus. One of the reasons this species is flourishing is that it is poisonous, and not many predators will touch it.
Agreed. Phymateus leprosus