Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Romalea microptera
Their bright colors are a warning (aposematism) to predators that they are highly toxic; consuming one can be fatal to small birds and mammals.
- Scientific name
- Romalea microptera
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Orthoptera › Romaleidae › Romalea
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Weedy fields, pine barrens, ditches, marshes, and agricultural lands.
- Diet
- Polyphagous herbivore, consuming broadleaf plants, grasses, ornamental flowers, and agricultural crops.
- Range
- Southeastern United States, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina
- Size
- 5.0 - 7.5 cm (2.0 - 3.0 inches)
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide application, habitat destruction, and persecution by gardeners.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless but defensive. Do not handle, as they can spray a foul-smelling, toxic foam from their thorax that irritates eyes and skin, and they may deliver a pinch-like bite. Keep away from pets, as they are toxic if ingested. If contact occurs, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Romalea microptera (syn. Romalea guttata ), known commonly as the eastern lubber grasshopper or just lubber grasshopper , is a grasshopper native to the southeastern and south central portion of the United States. It is the most distinctive grasshopper species within the southeastern United States, and is well known both for its size and its unique coloration. It can reach nearly 3 inches (8 cm) in size.
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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