Koppie Foam Grasshopper

Arid areas and rocky outcrops (koppies) across South Africa, commonly found in garden shrubs and indigenous vegetation.

Herbivorous; they feed on a wide variety of plants, often preferring those containing toxic compounds like Milkweed.

Sluggish and flightless movemets; they are known for a defense mechanism where they expel a smelly, toxic foam from their thoracic joints when threatened. The bright colors serve as aposematic (warning) coloration.

They are toxic if ingested by predators or humans due to the chemicals sequestered from their diet. They do not bite or sting but can cause skin irritation; ecologically, they serve as a food source for specialized predators and help regulate plant growth.