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.
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.
ReplyDeleteAmazing...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!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gaelyn. The only reason I noticed him was because he moved slightly as I almost stepped on him. :)
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a wonderful find Mary. They are not easy to see.
ReplyDeleteThat's really good!
ReplyDeleteIs 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...
ReplyDeleteExcellent camouflage..i should say?
Brilliant!!
He must be real tasty to have to hide so well.
ReplyDeleteNeat hopper, but those eyes make it so hard to fit a pair of glasses!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, it really looks more like grass than an insect. I guess we'll never know how many camouflaged creatures are looking at us.
ReplyDeleteGreat Joan as always you are the best!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOK, I did see this one. Similar to out Katydid. Cool camo though.
ReplyDeleteB.
No words...
ReplyDeleteIt's really incredible...
Awesome find Joan! You are indeed the Bug Lady to end all Bug Ladies!
ReplyDeleteCraig
Craig, is that like a bug lady exterminator? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHey, Merry Christmas everybody!
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)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
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.
ReplyDeleteIn case I don’t have a chance to say it later, Merry Christmas Joan!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sankara. Nature is fascinating and the more I look into it, the more interesting it gets.
ReplyDeleteI will send you one to try Steve then you can tell me what he tastes like. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL!! Special sunglasses are what he needs Craver. Thank goodness he cannot bowwor mine. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane. It is amazing that something so large can be so well hidden in the open.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lawrence. I am glad you love Sun Gazers too. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are getting too good Becky. See how much your eye is trained to spot them?
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea. Next year is bug hunting time in Pilansberg. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is very sweet of you to say so Craig. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL!! I hope not Craver!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny. I will try to post more from next year.
ReplyDeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. I hope you have a wonderful time too. DOn't eat to much okay? :)
ReplyDeleteJoan: That is so cool.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom. I have missed you my friend!!
ReplyDeleteThese insects will never cease to amaze me. :)
ReplyDeleteI wasn't looking at the right area at all...Interesting looking insect and I do see where the eyes are...
ReplyDelete