Elegant Grasshopper

Description:

from the family Pyrgomorphidae. A medium to large grasshopper with black antennae with orange rings. The head is mostly black with touches of blue, orange and yellow. These grasshoppers are classified as pests as they damage vegetables and fruit trees. They do, however, have a preference for milkweed. When disturbed, they can emit a nauseating yellow fluid.

Habitat:

On the side of a gravel road

Notes:

When the eggs are laid they remain in the ground for six months until they hatch. The hoppers reach full maturity in 75 days.