The Variegated Grasshopper, also known as the Painted Grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus), is a colorful insect found in tropical Africa. It's a member of the Pyrgomorphidae family and is also known for its striking appearance, with large red compound eyes, a boldly patterned black, white, red, and yellow body, and greenish membranous wings.
Sometime last two months, I went to farm with my siblings to clear and plant some crops in our newly acquired farm land, I saw this grasshopper, very beautiful in nature and immediately I got a flashback memory when we use to play with it as a kid despite it's bad smell and without knowing it's a paste.
It was just early this year that I found out why I always sees them on farms. Infact, before now I never knew they are paste feeding on numerous plants, including cassava, maize, and vegetables. They're slow-moving and often rely on their bright warning colors to deter predators.
Meaning they causes damage to crops like cassava, groundnuts, and okra. They can also transmit mosaic viruses to certain plants.
Overall, the Variegated Grasshopper is a fascinating insect with unique characteristics and behaviors, playing a complex role in African ecosystems and agriculture.Just seeing them and observing their behavior can be fascinating, though! The Variegated Grasshopper's bright colors and unique appearance make them pretty interesting to look at.
Camera: Redmi note12
Lens: 23021RAAEG, Xiaomi f/1.8 1/11s IS052