Invertebrates
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Romalea microptera · also called lubber grasshopper
A brightly coloured grasshopper the size of a finger ambles slowly across a Florida garden path in broad daylight, making no attempt at all to hide, an unhurried confidence backed by a toxic body, a defensive hiss, and a foul froth that make speed entirely unnecessary.
Overview
The eastern lubber grasshopper, Romalea microptera, is a large, flightless insect native to grassland, pine flatwoods, and forest edge habitat across the southeastern United States, particularly common in Florida. Its bold warning colours, plant-derived toxicity, and inability to fly despite its considerable size make it one of the more conspicuous and instantly recognisable insects in the region.
An insect that gave up escape for defence
Rather than relying on flight or camouflage the way most grasshoppers do, the eastern lubber grasshopper has traded speed for a suite of chemical and behavioural defences robust enough to let it move through the open world at its own unhurried pace.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and abundant across suitable grassland and forest habitat throughout the southeastern United States, sometimes considered a minor garden pest.
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper: common questions
Why can't the eastern lubber grasshopper fly?
This species has wings that are far too small relative to its large, heavy body to generate enough lift for flight, an unusual trait among grasshoppers, so it relies entirely on walking and short, clumsy hops to move around rather than the flying escape many other grasshopper species can use to avoid predators.
Is the eastern lubber grasshopper poisonous?
Yes, this species accumulates toxic compounds from some of the plants it feeds on, including plants toxic to many other animals, making it genuinely dangerous for many predators to eat and explaining why it can afford to display bold, conspicuous warning colours instead of relying on camouflage to stay safe.
What does the eastern lubber grasshopper do when threatened?
This species produces a hissing sound by forcing air out through its abdominal spiracles and can also secrete a foul-smelling, foamy froth from those same spiracles, a combined audible and chemical deterrent aimed at convincing a potential predator to leave it alone before any physical contact occurs.
How big does an eastern lubber grasshopper get?
This species is among the largest grasshoppers found in North America, with adult females in particular reaching a notably large size compared with males, a combination of size, bold colouration, and slow movement that makes this species one of the more conspicuous and easily noticed insects across its southeastern range.