Subject: ID of Locust?
Location: South Africa, Entabeni reserve, Limpopo
February 9, 2016 12:31 pm
Hi took these photos in South Africa February 2015 on the Entabeni reserve, Limpopo region but cannot find a name for them, can you help please.
Signature: Roger
Dear Roger,
We had to look through numerous images of Toxic Milkweed Grasshoppers or Foam Grasshoppers from the family Pyrgomorphidae on iSpot before we found an image that appears to be the same species you encountered, however it is only identified as being a member of the family. Bright aposomatic warning colors and patterns are characteristic of this family. We found a similarly colored individual pictured on Midlands Conservancies Forum. It is possible that this is a highly variable species and not all individuals have striped antennae and abdomens, or even the same color combination.
I found this exact coloration in Lesotho (of the toxic milkweed grasshopper), at Maletsunyane Falls, two mating, in fact. The locals are familiar with it, and have local names for it, like Lekoloane and Tsie-balimo.
Thanks for sharing!
I found this exact coloration in Lesotho (of the toxic milkweed grasshopper), at Maletsunyane Falls, two mating, in fact. The locals are familiar with it, and have local names for it, like Lekoloane and Tsie-balimo.
Thanks for sharing!