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Common Macrotona laying eggs
Macrotona australis
-38.1782, 145.18
Field Notes
Description:
This attractive deep brown grasshopper with thin cream stripes and red spiky legs was seen laying eggs on gritty sandy walking track. Her orange abdomen was curved down, partially buried in the ground. Hind legs were being alternately moved up an down as if trying to get a better grip on the ground or to drill further down. <br> She moved to three other spots doing the same action.
Habitat:
Spotted on a dry sandy walking track in a Fauna & Flora Reserve - Langwarrin.
Notes:
It is unusual to see a grasshopper sitting still in the middle of a track and not hop off at the first sign of an approaching human. I did not want to disturb her but she she was so focused on what she was doing that my being there did not bother her. <br> I was fascinated to see her curved abdomen buried in the sand. Unfortunately, I could not get a side shot or a shot of the vacated spot for any eggs as the sand quickly fell back, covering the hole. <br> Despite this being a common grasshopper in these parts, I had to document this egg-laying action.
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