Foam Grasshopper vs Long-Necked Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Foam Grasshopper Long-Necked Antlion
Scientific Name Dictyophorus spumans Palpares libelluloides
Order Orthoptera Neuroptera
Family Pyrgomorphidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 50-80 mm 100-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Africa Europe, Africa
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.

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Did You Know?

The toxic foam it produces from its thoracic glands contains cardiac glycosides concentrated from the milkweeds it eats.

Long-Necked Antlion

One of the largest European antlions with a wingspan exceeding 100 mm and boldly patterned wings. Adults are strong fliers active during warm evenings.

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Did You Know?

This is the largest neuropteran in Europe, with a wingspan rivaling many dragonfly species.