🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

The world’s largest grasshopper is the hedge grasshopper (Valanga irregularis), measuring around 3” (75 mm) long. However, some reports say the giant grasshopper can grow to 3.5” (90 mm). This gigantic grasshopper is native to Australia and has a brownish or tan-colored body. However, there are variations in appearance.

The species favours a moist climate. In spring and autumn they are often found in grassland or forest. If the atmospheric conditions are ideal they sometimes leave for suburban gardens.

Adult individuals are good jumpers and can defend against predators like mantises (Mantodea) or lynx spiders with the spines on the hindlegs. Moreover, Valanga irregularis is well camouflaged as the body colour resembles the plant stem and leaf they are hiding behind.