Species Insects & ArthropodsEastern Lubber Grasshopper

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Romalea microptera

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera)

The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper is one of the most spectacular grasshoppers in North America — large, reaching 3 inches, and brightly colored in yellow, red, and black as a warning that it is unpalatable. When threatened it hisses, spreads its small wings, and exudes a frothy, toxic secretion from its spiracles. Nymphs are jet-black with yellow and red stripes.

Habitat
Pine flatwoods, citrus groves, roadsides, and gardens of the South
Diet
Adults and nymphs: broad range of plants including garden crops
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

The best time to see a Eastern Lubber Grasshopper is April–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 31,787 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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