LEICHHARDT'S GRASSHOPPER
Petasida ephippigera
DESCRIPTION
Leichhardt’s Grasshopper is one of the Top End’s most spectacular insects. Adults are brilliantly coloured orange-red, blue and black. These strong colours are not just beautiful; they also warn predators that the grasshopper has a chemical defence that can make it unpleasant to eat.
QUICK FACTS
• Leichhardt’s Grasshopper is also known as Alyurr.
• For Jawoyn and Gundjeihmi people of western Arnhem Land, Alyurr are known as the children of Namarrgon, the Lightning Man.
• The appearance of the brightly coloured adults coincides with the build-up to the wet season, when thunder, lightning and storms return to the country.
• In traditional knowledge, Alyurr call out to their father Namarrgon, who answers with storms and lightning.
• Young grasshoppers begin life much less colourful, becoming brilliantly coloured as they mature.
• Ludwig Leichhardt recorded large numbers of these grasshoppers during his journey through the region in 1845.
WHERE IT LIVES
Leichhardt’s Grasshopper has a very limited distribution in northern Australia, particularly the sandstone country of the Top End. It is closely associated with native Pityrodia shrubs, which provide its main food and habitat.
WHAT IT EATS
It feeds on particular species of Pityrodia. The grasshopper is able to use chemicals obtained from these plants as part of its defence against predators.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
For me, seeing the first Leichhardt’s Grasshoppers is one of the signs that the country is changing. As the build-up arrives and the thunder and lightning begin, these extraordinary orange and blue grasshoppers start appearing. They are known as Alyurr, the children of Namarrgon, the Lightning Man, and that connection between the grasshopper, the storms and the changing season makes them much more than just a colourful insect to photograph. When I find one sitting amongst the green leaves after the country has begun to come alive, I know the wet season is on its way.