28-9-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - SHORT HORNED GRASSHOPPER (Eyprepocnemis plorans)

The Short-Horned Grasshopper (Eyprepocnemis plorans), widely known as the lamenting grasshopper, is a medium-sized species within the family Acrididae. Recognizable by its greyish-brown coloring and colorful hind leg striations, it primarily inhabits wet environments, reed beds, and moist coastal regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.

Key Facts at a Glance

Physical Characteristics: Females grow up to 4.5 cm (1.8 inches), while males are slightly smaller. They feature a dark band edged with paler stripes on their head and prothorax. Their hind femurs have distinctive greenish, blue, and yellow striations, and their hind tibia feature striking reddish or bluish iridescence.

Habitat & Range: They thrive in vertical vegetation like reeds and tall forbs, making them highly dependent on high-moisture ecosystems. In Europe, they can be found in places like southern Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Diet: Like most short-horned grasshoppers, they are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, grasses, and leaves.Flight: They are known to be quite shy and are considered excellent fliers compared to other ground-dwelling grasshopper species.