
Community identification
Milkweed Grasshopper
Phymateus morbillosus
- Order & Family
- Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae
- Size
- 70mm to 100mm (approximately 2.7 to 4 inches)
Natural Habitat
Savannas, semi-arid regions, and shrublands across Southern Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; primarily feeds on poisonous plants like milkweeds (Asclepiadaceae).
Behavior Patterns
Diurnal; notable for its slow movements and aposematic (warning) coloration. When threatened, it can secrete a noxious, foul-smelling foam from its thoracic joints.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Toxic if ingested due to accumulated plant cardiac glycosides; can be a localized agricultural pest. Benefits: Plays a role in the food chain for specialized predators and aids in the decomposition of specific plant matter.