Mont Lozère, Parc National des Cévennes, Lozère, France
Family : Acrididae
Subfamily : Gomphocerinae
Species : Stauroderus scalaris
This grasshopper is distributed from Spain across southern Europe to the Balkans and Turkey. From there it continues eastwards through the southern Russian Steppe to Central Asia and Siberia. It is one of the largest grasshopper species in southern Europe with a length of 17-28mm, the females being larger than the males. Stauroderus scalaris colonises sunny dry grassland, pastures, and extensive meadows where the vegetation is relatively high. Although it is fairly common in some places, in others it is considered endangered. Agriculture and reforestation are particular threats in some locations.
Females lay their eggs in dry earthy areas and the resulting larvae pass through four stages. The adults appear from June to October depending on location. They are strong fliers and the males generate a loud buzzing noise when in flight. They also have a striking singing voice which can be heard in alpine meadows from the middle of June onwards.
All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects.
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