Alpine Grasshopper vs South African Cave Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Grasshopper | South African Cave Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kosciuscola tristis | Speleiacris tabulae |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Acrididae | Rhaphidophoridae |
| Size | Body 20-30 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Caves |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | South Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Alpine Grasshopper
A striking color-changing grasshopper found in the Australian Alps above the snowline. Males turn from dark black-brown to brilliant turquoise blue when warmed by sunlight.
Did You Know?
Males change from black to vivid blue in minutes as their body temperature rises in the sun.
South African Cave Cricket
A cave cricket endemic to caves on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. It has reduced eyes and pale brown coloration.
Did You Know?
It is one of very few cave crickets known from the African continent.