David Element's Wildlife Web Page Grasshoppers and Crickets 24

David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

__ Orthopteroids 24 - Predatory Bush Crickets

Saga pedo (f)

Saga pedo (f) OVIPOSITOR

Saga pedo (f)

A fine example of the Predatory Bush Cricket Saga pedo is shown in its natural habitat in the Mediterranean region of the South of France. This massive insect is the largest European orthopteran and it is also known as the Matriarchal or Predatory Katydid and as 'La Magicienne Dentelée' (Jagged Magician) in French. The species is apparently quite uncommon and threatened, although as the camouflage is very effective it could be easily overlooked despite its size. This imposing predator is said to feed on smaller grasshoppers and crickets and possibly other insects. Prey items are captured by stalking and then pinned down with the spiny front legs so that they cannot escape prior to consumption. The species is parthenogenetic and males are virtually unknown. The huge ovipositor may be seen in the first two pictures and it makes a significant contribution to an overall length of about 12cm. In the final photograph the threat posture is illustrated with the photographer's forefinger in shot to emphasize the scale of this impressive creature. Such was the confidence in its defensive equipment that no attempt was made to escape during the process of being photographed and videoed at very close range.

REFERENCE: http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/S/Saga_pedo/