A few days ago, near sunset time, guess where I was.
I know you guessed it.
I was at the beach! I was taking photographs of the sand and the surroundings.
Suddenly, something 'jumped' - and I was so startled! Everything was 'dead nature' where I was, what could it be?
It took me a few seconds to realize that I was seeing a living thing before me. It looked like a grasshopper, but it was a much better looking one. In fact, it looked just like a small twig, laying at the beach.
It could as well stop moving, and I would not know it was there.
I decided to post in a facebook group about insects and I was told that this is called Truxalis Nasuta.
I did not find much online, but I did find out that "Truxalis nasuta is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in Africa, Europe, and Asia." I think it was first identified by Linnaeus in 1758.
This one is likely a male, because I read that females are larger and can fly. This one would not go very far.
Truxalis nasuta are known to be herbivores, meaning they feast on plants
Not much is known about them. I could not even find enough video footages, but I did find out a couple of videos where these insects were green. Perhaps it has to do with their habitat. If living in the sand, they are better to be looking that color.
I am not sure if I will be able to touch any of them or if I will soon see this insect near me.
They might not be the cuddliest creatures, but Truxalis nasuta are fascinating grasshoppers and I will try to get one to pose for me next time!!
I hope you found this interesting!
Feel free to watch this video that I created (using capcut)
http://www.pyrgus.de/Truxalis_nasuta_en.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truxalis_nasuta
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
