Bush Cricket

[Geoff F]

No, not an unusual Australian sport. This is a Great Green Bush Cricket. Just to prove that we have some large insects in the UK.



A little over 50 mm without its tail!

But it was amongst the foliage so I really struggled to find a reasonable camera angle. This angle works for identification even if it isn't the most aesthetically pleasing.

This cricket is a final stage nymph which has a tail (ovipositor) but hasn't quite fully grown its wings yet.

[Shadowman]

Nice image with details on species. Didn't want to risk handling for a better shot?

[bnnrcn]

Nice and fat

[deetheturk]

Nice capture Geoff!

[Geoff F]

Nice image with details on species. Didn't want to risk handling for a better shot?

Although this species is big enough to resist being pushed around by other insects they are still nervous and have quite a long jump when disturbed. So I gradually worked my way into the hedge, removing a few stinging nettles and grass heads as I went, in order to get this particular shot. But she was facing towards deep undergrowth so I decided to settle for what I had shot.

Maybe I could have captured her with a hand net to take home and chill in the refrigerator before more shooting; but I decided to leave well alone, where they are naturally found.