Foam Grasshopper vs Alpine Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Foam Grasshopper | Alpine Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dictyophorus spumans | Kosciuscola tristis |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Pyrgomorphidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 50-80 mm | Body 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Foam Grasshopper
A large black and red grasshopper that produces a foul-smelling toxic foam when disturbed. It is one of Africa's most recognizable grasshoppers.
Did You Know?
The toxic foam it produces from its thoracic glands contains cardiac glycosides concentrated from the milkweeds it eats.
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.