Insect · GBIF taxon 1714647
Plains Lubber Grasshopper
Brachystola magnaAlso known as Western Lubber Grasshopper, Homesteader
Plains lubber grasshoppers dominate North American prairies with bulky, heavy bodies and tiny, useless wings. Unable to fly, these insects rely on bright pink warning patterns beneath their wing covers and foul-tasting regurgitated fluid to deter predators. During late summer, adults gather in large numbers along roadsides and cultivated fields to feed heavily on sunflowers and native forbs.
FlightlessHerbivorePrairie
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunflowers
- Prairie Forbs
- Grasses
Predators
- Loggerhead Shrike
- Rodents
- Lizards
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide applications and grassland habitat conversion
HabitatsShortgrass steppes, tallgrass prairies, agricultural fields, and roadsides
Life span1 year
Classification
- FamilyRomaleidae
- SpeciesBrachystola magna
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation Timing: Look for slow-moving adults along sunny prairie roadsides from July through September.
- Handling Care: Coax gently onto a flat hand rather than squeezing, as cornered insects can pinch or spit dark liquid.
- Defensive Displays: Watch closely when approached to see them spread their shortened forewings, revealing pink hindwings.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Dennis White · cc0
Predator (c) MarvalPhotography19, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by MarvalPhotography19 · cc-by
Close Relative http://www.birdphotos.com / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Jerry Kirkhart from Los Osos, Calif. / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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