For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Art of disguise -Part 6

A Grass-mimicking Grasshopper is very difficult to spot when they are on dried grass, so what you look for are stems which thicken unexpectedy.

28 comments:

Diane said...

Amazing picture as always from you. You must have been looking hard to see this chap:-) Diane

Andrea said...

Always incredible theme...
This one is great!

Bye

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Diane. Most of them give themselves away when they move so my beady eye spots them. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Andrea. This has been a very interesting series to find too. Send me an e-mail and let me know how you are doing. :)

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Most of us walk right over these without noticing them. Well spotted Joan

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jonker. Now that you know what to look for you will find them too I am sure.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Joan: The art of camouflage at its best.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Tom. :)

Craver Vii said...

Ah, I can identify with that. Right about age 30, I started to thicken unexpectedly.

Gaelyn said...

Great shots Joan! Where you sitting in the grass for these? ;-)
I actually saw it right away. Thanks for teaching me how and where to look.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Hey Craver, it is not the thickening which counts so much but the buldges!! Goodness, can they develope in the most unwanted places!! LOL!!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Of course Gaelyn. LOL!! Where else would you expect to find me? :)

Oh you are SO good!! I know you will not have any problems finding them in the future, you were an A class student!!

Wendy said...

Amazing how Mother Nature created these creatures to be so camouflaged. So interesting!

blog with no name said...

You would get quite a suprise when you reach down for a blade of grass to pick your teeth with...

Unknown said...

Amazing! I would never see it!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

were you lying on the ground while looking for them? Good job you found it, and great macro photo.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Leeloo. Isn't nature fascinating? :)It seems there is a reason for everything in it.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! Not something I would usually do Mike as I know what lurks around on it. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I did too for many years Jose. I am so glad I found this small and fascinating world.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Ann. I usually walk around stirring up the grass as I go as a lot of things will move and betray their hiding place, then I crawl down after them and come home filthy dirty. :)

Becky said...

I thought at first it was a Walking Stick, but I'm sure I would also have meissed this one.
B.

Mary said...

Very tricky! I'd probably walk right past it.

troutbirder said...

I think spotting these little camo creatures would be impossible even with my trifocals. Of course, I know lions blend into the dry grass as well. :)

Zane said...

We used to see many of these hoppers when I was younger. Sadly they seem to have disappeared or become rather scarce in my neck of the woods. The photographs are great.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

We do have those Walking Stick insects here too Becky but have not found another one for a long time. THEY are even harder to spot.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I dont think so Mary, it would have hopped away and given you a fright. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! Well on these walks of mine I hope I dont come across a camo lion TB!! I would run like hell out of there. My feet would not touch the ground. :) Glad you are back again. I hope you had a fantastic trip.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

A lot of these kinds of insects are fast disappearing Zane. People use too many harmful sprays in their gardens nowdays unfortunately.