David Element's Wildlife Web Page Orthopteroids 8

David Element

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_Orthopteroids 8 - Roesel's Bush Crickets 1

ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET Metrioptera roeselii (m) NYMPH

ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET Metrioptera roeselii (f) NYMPH

ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET Metrioptera roeselii (m)

ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET Metrioptera roeselii (m) form diluta

This series of pictures illustrates a partial life-history of Roesel's Bush Cricket. Several of the six nymphal stages (instars) are shown although not to scale.

The last photograph is of the macropterous form diluta of this insect - although this particular individual is not as macropterous as it might have been as the ends of its wings have been trimmed. This may either be a consequence of natural wear and tear or they could have been nibbled by the jaws of another Roesel's. This long-winged form appears predominantly during hot summers and enables the species to extend its geographical range rapidly while conditions are suitable. Such migrations may also be in response to local over-population.