Showing posts with label Orthoptera Pamphagidae Trachypetrella Stone Grasshopper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orthoptera Pamphagidae Trachypetrella Stone Grasshopper. Show all posts

Monday, August 23, 2010

The most unbelievable Grasshopper

Andrea from Sidecar, a wonderful blog on South African wildlife, send me these unbelievable pictures.

Can you see it in the first picture? No? I don't blame you. Unless you know what to look for, it is almost impossible to find.
Maybe in this one? It is a Stone Grasshopper (Trachypetrella) and are found in the western part of the country. I have only seen these in books and pictures like this. They are so well disguised, I doubt if I would ever be able to find one anyway as they mimic the rocks they are found amongst.
This is a mating pair and you can see the difference between the male and female. They are large, over 2 inches in length. Their antennae are thin and can be withdrawn into sockets. When attacked, they raise their hind legs and lash out with great strength and speed while producing a grating sound.
Thank you so much for sharing these with us Andrea. It is insects like this which peaks my interest and the more I find, the more I want to see and learn more.