A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Valanga irregularis
The Giant Grasshoppers are the largest grasshoppers in Australia. They are also commonly known as Giant Valanga (the name I've always known them as) and Hedge Grasshoppers. They are native to Australia. The adult size vary from 60-90mm. From the position I found these two in, I'm sure they were mating. Sorry for the intrusion... but smile.
Adults and nymphs usually feed on broad-leaved shrubs, such as acalypha and hibiscus, but also damage palms. This is a common and conspicuous grasshopper in coastal south-east Queensland that thrives in well-watered suburban gardens. It occurs in open forest close to the coast, from northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland to northern New South Wales. These two were spotted not too far from the pond of the Metroplex Wetlands in Murarrie QLD.
Spotted on Jun 13, 2014
Submitted on Jun 13, 2014
3 Comments
Thanks folks. I had to contend with an overgrown octopus agave and an angry cactus to get this photo. Then, at arms length, I only got one decent shot out of about a dozen. If grasshoppers could laugh I'm sure they were laughing at me. My work colleagues certainly were.
Very nice capture!
What a fabulous grasshopper!