Blue bush locust

Description

Phymateus aegrotus, sometimes called the blue bush locust or East African bush locust, is a pest species of grasshopper in the family Pyrgomorphidae. Unlike "locusts" the adults are not known to change their morphology on crowding, but at the hopper stage, marching behaviour of small bands may occur. This species is present in Africa, Northeast Tropical Africa, Somalia. Phymateus aegrotus can reach a length of 80-100 millimetres (3.1-3.9 in) in males, of 60-80 millimetres (2.4-3.1 in) in females. Body is green in colour, while fore-wings are blackish and yellowish. The nymphs (hoppers) in the first instars are mostly black with several small yellowish markings, while in the last instar they are bright green. P. aegrotus lay eggs in the substrate (humus-sand mix), The eggs hatch after about 12 months. The life expectancy of adult animals is of 8-12 months. They are capable of long migratory flights. As with other Phymateus species it raises and rustles its wings when disturbed and may secrete a noxious fluid from its thoracic joint. Insects feed on Asclepias sp. and bittersweet nightshade, Cestrum nocturnum. Phymateus is a genus of grasshoppers of the family Pyrgomorphidae. Species of the genus Phymateus are African grasshoppers about 70 millimetres (2.8 in) long. Some species at maturity are capable of long migratory flights. They raise and rustle wings when disturbed and may secrete a noxious fluid from the thoracic joint. These locusts feed on highly toxic plants and usually congregate in large numbers on trees and shrubs, arranged in such a way as to resemble foliage. Females of the species Phymateus morbillosus are unable to fly, despite fully developed wings. Species of this genus can be found in Southern, Central and East Africa, through Somalia and Madagascar to India.