Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Black Cone-headed Grasshoppers
Poekilocerus bufonius
28.4877, 34.4817
Field Notes
Description:
large dark grasshopper; feeds on milkweed plants (Asclepias sinaica) which are poisonous plants; grasshoppers exude these poisons from their glands when they are threatened (see notes)
(Photo #2: Mating pair, female larger one)
Habitat:
desert wadis
Notes:
Locally, this species is called "zagat", meaning "the one that sprays toxin onto girls' faces". Children sprayed by this grasshopper would say "zagat rashni", meaning "I have been sprayed in my eyes." Before Bedouin sit or stand near to a milkweed plant, they will throw stones at the bushes to scare off any of these grasshoppers.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedApril 14, 2013
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment