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

Monday, December 21, 2009

Art of disguise - Part 2

Can you see him? :)
Okay, maybe this version is better? It is a Common Stick Grasshopper (Acrida acuminata) and if it does not move, you would swear it is part of the grass.
In this one you can see the two brown ovals which are his eyes..... They are large, about 3 inches in length. Their breeding cycle in which sexually immature adults survive the dry season and lay eggs in respons to the first rains. Eggs hatch simultaneously and nymphal development is completed during the rainy season. The adults are present for a few summer months only.
Females lay eggs in sandy areas, producing a very long egg pod.

34 comments:

Gaelyn said...

Wow, and I thought it was the stick caterpillar. You really have to know what to be looking for to see this grasshopper. Great macros Joan.

Mary said...

Amazing...it looks like he is made out of grass. I saw a mantis this year that had a similar grassy look. So easy to overlook with that kind of disguise!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Gaelyn. The only reason I noticed him was because he moved slightly as I almost stepped on him. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

That must have been a wonderful find Mary. They are not easy to see.

JPT said...

That's really good!

Sankara Subramanian said...

Is it really a grasshopper? I looked at all 3 photos over and over again and it still looks like a blade of grass to me...

Excellent camouflage..i should say?

Brilliant!!

Anonymous said...

He must be real tasty to have to hide so well.

Craver Vii said...

Neat hopper, but those eyes make it so hard to fit a pair of glasses!

Diane AZ said...

Amazing, it really looks more like grass than an insect. I guess we'll never know how many camouflaged creatures are looking at us.

No Blog said...

Great Joan as always you are the best!!!!!!

Becky said...

OK, I did see this one. Similar to out Katydid. Cool camo though.
B.

Andrea said...

No words...
It's really incredible...

Craig Glenn said...

Awesome find Joan! You are indeed the Bug Lady to end all Bug Ladies!

Craig

Craver Vii said...

Craig, is that like a bug lady exterminator? ;-)

Hey, Merry Christmas everybody!

Unknown said...

Once again, I am blown away! I always get so excited to see what kind of exotic bugs you'll show us next. I'm so glad you decided to come back! :o)

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Yes, that totally looks like a sedge. To become one's surroundings is truly magical. Happy Holidays Joan. May happiness be with you each and every day.

Anonymous said...

In case I don’t have a chance to say it later, Merry Christmas Joan!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jim. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Sankara. Nature is fascinating and the more I look into it, the more interesting it gets.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I will send you one to try Steve then you can tell me what he tastes like. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! Special sunglasses are what he needs Craver. Thank goodness he cannot bowwor mine. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Diane. It is amazing that something so large can be so well hidden in the open.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Lawrence. I am glad you love Sun Gazers too. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are getting too good Becky. See how much your eye is trained to spot them?

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Andrea. Next year is bug hunting time in Pilansberg. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

That is very sweet of you to say so Craig. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! I hope not Craver!! :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Penny. I will try to post more from next year.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It is amazing Bernie. I have missed you. Thank you for your kind wishes and I hope that maybe next year the two of you will find a way for me to show you my bit of Africa.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Steve. I hope you have a wonderful time too. DOn't eat to much okay? :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Joan: That is so cool.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Tom. I have missed you my friend!!

Wendy said...

These insects will never cease to amaze me. :)

Rambling Woods said...

I wasn't looking at the right area at all...Interesting looking insect and I do see where the eyes are...