A massive flightless grasshopper. Brightly colored as adults; can secrete foul-tasting foam as defense.

Also called: Eastern Lubber, Florida Lubber

Native status: Native to southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 6–10 cm females; 5–7 cm males
Weight2–5 g — among the largest US grasshoppers
LifespanAdults 3–4 months; single annual generation
OrderOrthoptera
FamilyRomaleidae

§ Encyclopedia

Romalea is a genus of grasshoppers native to the Southeastern and South-central United States. As traditionally defined, it contains a single species, Romalea microptera, known commonly as the Georgia thumper, eastern lubber grasshopper, Florida lubber, or Florida lubber grasshopper, although some recent authorities regard Taeniopoda as a junior synonym, in which case there are about a dozen Romalea species in the southern United States, Mexico and Central America.

Source: Wikipedia — Romalea Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive yellow-and-black grasshopper with bright contrasting pattern; short useless wings; thick antennae held close to body.

Similar species. Differential Grasshopper (smaller; not aposematic). Migratory Grasshopper (smaller; flies).

Voice. Hisses loudly when threatened; can chirp during male competition.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Wide variety of plants — pinecrest, peas, beans, sweet potato, lettuce, cabbage, citrus. Especially fond of tropical and subtropical garden plants.

Behavior. Largest grasshopper in eastern US. Cannot fly — wings are vestigial. Slow-moving and easy to spot; defends itself by hissing, secreting foul-smelling foam from the thorax, and showing brilliant black-and-yellow warning coloration. Toxic to most predators; loggerhead shrikes are among the few birds that eat them, impaling them on thorns to "tenderize" before consumption. Major agricultural pest in some areas.

§ Range

Southeastern US

§ Habitat

Open areas, agricultural fields, gardens

§ Threats

Pesticide drift, persecution as agricultural pests.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern lubber grasshopper is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support diverse predator populations.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • BugGuide
  • University of Florida IFAS Entomology
  • Florida Department of Agriculture