It is very common for all of us to come across grasshoppers in our daily life. The grasshoppers are considered one such insect that is still in existence for 250 million years. Additionally, the grasshoppers are considered the most ancient insects in the world. In fact, being so old, the insect would have gone through a lot of evolution and mutation through the years until today.
The today’s world of grasshoppers that are close in thousand species, out of which some of the most beautiful ones are chosen for you. A grasshopper being beautiful can be obvious but consisting of some amount of venom is strange. We have the venomous yet beautiful grasshopper as well being part of the list. Finally, we catch up with the 10 most beautiful grasshoppers in the world that are rare to be spotted.
10. Short-horned Grasshopper
Short-horned grasshopper is the only grasshopper on this list with a unique physical structure. Also recognized as “opaon varicolor”, the short-horned grasshopper by name consists of short antenna-like horns. Beautiful in terms of looks, the short-horned grasshoppers are known to be one of the most destructive grasshoppers in the world. Additionally, they fall under the species of a locust. Further, this one is well known to destroy the agricultural crops if infested in the majority. Some of the short-horned grasshopper species may consist of wings and some may not.
9. Bombay Locust
Bombay locust is yet another beautiful grasshopper you can watch for. Scientifically recognized as “patanga succincta”, the Bombay locusts are native to India. Additionally, they are majorly found in southeast Asian countries. Further, the locust is known to swarm in large numbers in India. Furthermore, being considered beautiful, the Bombay locusts can be very destructive and can cause famine when landed on agricultural lands.
8. Koppie Foam Grasshopper
Koppier foam grasshopper resembles that of a man-made plastic toy for kids. Insane in terms of looks, the grasshopper is ultimate in terms of its figure. If you notice them somewhere near you, it is also kept in mind that they produce toxic foam. As the name suggests, the Koppie foam grasshoppers produce toxic foam from their thoracic glands. Additionally, they are native to Africa. Their legs are a combination of black and red blending which makes it amazing to watch. Further, the body is completely red in color with stripes of red on their neck. However, their color can differ among their species and is considered not a fixed one. Finally, the koppie foam grasshoppers are known to grow up to a size of 3.1 inches in length.
7. Western Horse Lubber Grasshopper
Western horse lubber Grasshopper is a fantastic piece of beauty native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Also recognized as “Taeniopoda eques” scientifically, the whole body is black in color with vibrant yellow linings on wings, head, antennae, and tail. Additionally, because of their peculiar black body color and yellow markings, the horse lubber grasshoppers stand apart from other desert grasshoppers. This could be due to their conspicuous size and body coloration. Finally, they mainly reside in the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.
6. Miramella Irena Grasshopper
Miramella irena grasshopper is a lovely grasshopper that is known to reside majorly in parts of Croatia. Additionally, according to the IUCN Red List, the grasshopper falls under the “Least Concern” category. Further, in terms of size, the Irena grasshoppers are comparably smaller in size. Their body can be seen with green and brown blending coloration. Further, they fall under the short-horned subfamily of grasshoppers. Finally, these wonderful grasshoppers can be seen in the Swiss alps, montane and submontane meadows.
5. Leichhardt’s Grasshopper
Leichhardt’s Grasshopper is a beautiful grasshopper with mesmerizing vibrant body color. The species was first discovered in 1845 in Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land plateau. Additionally, the name of the grasshopper was named after Ludwig Leichhardt, a renowned German naturalist, and explorer. Further, the Leichhardt’s grasshopper was officially discovered in 1971 by Principal Research Scientists of CSIRO’s Division of Wildlife Research, J.H.Calaby.
Also recognized as “petasida ephippigera”, the grasshopper is native to North Australia. The appearance at first glance can simply win the hearts of millions. The body is bright orange in color with unique patches on the head and thorax regions. The combination of bright orange and mixed-color spotting on the body makes the grasshopper unique on this list.
4. African Bush Grasshopper
African bush grasshopper is one of the most beautiful grasshoppers in the world. Also recognized as “Green milkweed locust”, the grasshopper can grow up to 2.8 inches in length. Additionally, the nymphs basically consist of unique body-color patterns and markings. Further, the body color can range with a combination of bright yellow markings with a black background. Something interesting to note that the African bush grasshoppers rely and feed on highly toxic plants. Finally, their wings when spread apart consists of a combination of green and red. This combination of red color on their wings is part of their self-defense.
3. Pink Grasshopper
If you are a fan of pink color, then pink grasshopper can simply mesmerize you. Pink grasshoppers are extremely rare to spot and if you ever get to see them around, you should be the luckiest person. Additionally, while seeing them on pictures, there may be a thought for many that the insect is photoshopped. But the image of pink grasshopper that you see is real. The pink grasshoppers reside majorly in parts of Europe and not found majorly in the United States. But the traces of them can be seen in the United States as well.
The pink grasshoppers were first discovered in 1887 and were known to be carrying the recessive gene. The pink coloration on them is considered due to a genetic mutation. Finally, there are even evidences that some of the pink grasshoppers lose their pink pigment overtime.
2. Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Eastern lubber grasshopper is a fantastic looking grasshopper native to south-eastern and south-central United States. Also recognized as “Florida lubber or Florida lubber grasshopper”, the eastern lubber grasshopper is renowned in the United States due to its distinctive body coloration. Additionally, the body color comprises a combination of yellow, orange, and red with black dark spotting. The grasshopper can grow up to 8 cm in length. Further, the eastern lubber grasshoppers are known to consist of a smaller wing. They don’t possess the potential to fly. Something interesting fact to note that this grasshopper species produces foul-like smell as part of their defense strategy.
1. Rainbow Grasshopper
Rainbow grasshopper is considered by far the most beautiful grasshoppers in the world. Also recognized as “painted grasshopper”, the rainbow grasshopper is native to the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. To be precise in terms of looks, the grasshopper’s every part has uniquely colored which makes it lovely to watch. Additionally, the markings on the body are recognized either with red or yellowish color along with pale green wing pads. Further, the rainbow grasshoppers are known to grow up to a length of 20 mm. Finally, they are incapable of flying as this grasshopper species doesn’t develop wings.