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Spur-throated Locust
Austracris guttulosa
-17.3358, 123.647
Field Notes
Description:
A Grasshopper with a leaf on its leg. "The spur-throated locust is readily distinguished from other pest species of locusts and grasshoppers by its large size and the presence of a spur, or throat-peg, between the front legs. The adults are pale brown in colour with white stripes and dark markings on the thorax. The hind-wings are colourless or have a bluish tinge. The shanks of the hind legs are straw or mauve coloured and bear two rows of dark-tipped white spines. Adult males measure 55–65mm long and females are 70–80mm long." (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pest-insects/spur-throated-locust )
Habitat:
Near the waster water treatment wetlands.
Notes:
Thank you Rob for the identification.
Thank you to the Curator of Entomology at Western Australian Museum for confirming the identification and for the following information: They are mating - or "mate guarding" where the male rides around on the female after mating, trying to ensure other males don't mate with her.
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