Biodiversity and ecology in the Australian bush
These colourful grasshoppers were so numerous in patches of vegetation that the sound of them hopping from leaf to leaf was enough to catch our attention. That is, if their brilliant colours hadn’t already stopped us in our tracks! Valanga irregul

These colourful grasshoppers were so numerous in patches of vegetation that the sound of them hopping from leaf to leaf was enough to catch our attention. That is, if their brilliant colours hadn’t already stopped us in our tracks!

Valanga irregularis (nymph)

This Valanga species is called the ‘Giant Grasshopper’. By late summer, having reached the adult stage, they’ll be about 70mm long. Australia’s largest species of grasshopper! These were nymphs, however, and so less gigantic. Valanga irregularis

This Valanga species is called the ‘Giant Grasshopper’. By late summer, having reached the adult stage, they’ll be about 70mm long. Australia’s largest species of grasshopper! These were nymphs, however, and so less gigantic.

Valanga irregularis (nymph)

Amidst the hoards of tapestry-coloured Valanga we occasionally spotted a bright yellow grasshopper munching on the leaves. Despite some superficial similarities, this species belongs to a different genus. Adults are much less colourful than these

Amidst the hoards of tapestry-coloured Valanga we occasionally spotted a bright yellow grasshopper munching on the leaves. Despite some superficial similarities, this species belongs to a different genus. Adults are much less colourful than these brilliant nymphs.

Austracis proxima (nymph)

Among hundreds of grasshoppers along this stretch of heathland track, we also sighted a few katydids. And this colourful nymph was arguably the most spectacular! Caedicia marginata (nymph)

Among hundreds of grasshoppers along this stretch of heathland track, we also sighted a few katydids. And this colourful nymph was arguably the most spectacular!

Caedicia marginata (nymph)

Insects that go through nymphal stages during their development often radically change in shape and colour. This is most likely the same species as the crimson nymph we found nearby. Note too the larger wings. These increase in size with each succes

Insects that go through nymphal stages during their development often radically change in shape and colour. This is most likely the same species as the crimson nymph we found nearby. Note too the larger wings. These increase in size with each successive moult.

Caedicia marginata (nymph)

Fully grown, with long wings. And now it can fly! Caedicia marginata (adult)

Fully grown, with long wings. And now it can fly!

Caedicia marginata (adult)

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These colourful grasshoppers were so numerous in patches of vegetation that the sound of them hopping from leaf to leaf was enough to catch our attention. That is, if their brilliant colours hadn’t already stopped us in our tracks! Valanga irregul
This Valanga species is called the ‘Giant Grasshopper’. By late summer, having reached the adult stage, they’ll be about 70mm long. Australia’s largest species of grasshopper! These were nymphs, however, and so less gigantic. Valanga irregularis
Amidst the hoards of tapestry-coloured Valanga we occasionally spotted a bright yellow grasshopper munching on the leaves. Despite some superficial similarities, this species belongs to a different genus. Adults are much less colourful than these
Among hundreds of grasshoppers along this stretch of heathland track, we also sighted a few katydids. And this colourful nymph was arguably the most spectacular! Caedicia marginata (nymph)
Insects that go through nymphal stages during their development often radically change in shape and colour. This is most likely the same species as the crimson nymph we found nearby. Note too the larger wings. These increase in size with each succes
Fully grown, with long wings. And now it can fly! Caedicia marginata (adult)