Images Dated 15th October 2004

Giant / Hedge GRASSHOPPER

DH-3473
Giant / Hedge GRASSHOPPER
Photographed at Kupungarri, Kimberleys, Western Australia.
Valanga irregularis
Australia's largest grasshopper. Females reaching 90mm. Feeds at night on hibiscus coffee and citrus where it chews on shoots and leaf edges. Large infestations cause damage. Dies toward end of dry season after laying eggs which remain dormant until the heavy rains come. Male does not attract female with calls but meets at the food source. Widespread across northern Australia and as far south as northern NSW
Don Hadden
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