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Amorbus alternatus
A fairly large bug mostly brown with large and strong rear legs. Very plain compared to previous instars. Between 15 to 25 mm in length, the eucalyptus tip bugs are stocky shield shaped bugs. Adults of this species are brown to black, with a yellow to green tipped wing cover. They also possess a short spine on each shoulder.
Open dry parklands with some tall eucalyptus. This one was on E. microcarpa leaves.
Also known as Gumtree Bugs. Coreid bugs can emit a foul odour or liquid if disturbed to deter potential predators. They are known to feed on Eucalyptus acmenioides, E. blakelyi, E. drepanophylla and E. grandis. They are however, assumed to feed on more species than this (Steinbauer et al, 2002). I'm not certain but these might have got their name from the way they just stick their rear legs out at right angles like an idiot.
Spotted on Apr 18, 2012
Submitted on Apr 20, 2012
5 Comments
Nice pose!
And it does a "spacatto" too! What are you waiting to enter it at the London olympics?
Cool!!
Haha, not like an idiot, but certainly he is doing a cheerleader split.
They're some crazy hind legs! Love the close up - nice sharp shot.