1-5-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RAYMOND'S GRASSHOPPER (Omocestus raymondi)

Omocestus raymondi, commonly known as Raymond's Grasshopper or the Garrigues Grasshopper, is a species of slant-faced grasshopper primarily found in the Mediterranean region.

Classification & IdentificationScientific Name: Omocestus (Omocestus) raymondi.Family: Part of the Acrididae family (short-horned grasshoppers) and the Gomphocerinae subfamily.

Size: They are relatively small, with males typically measuring 15–20 mm in length and females being slightly larger at 20–22 mm.

Appearance: Characterized by a "slant-faced" profile typical of its subfamily.

Habitat & DistributionLocation: Found across Southern Europe (including Spain, Italy, and France) and Northern Africa.Preferred Environment: They thrive in hot, dry, and rocky places. You'll often find them in:Garrigues (shrubland).Rocky slopes and dry mountain areas.Open woodland clearings with sparse vegetation.

Behavior & BiologyDiet: Like most grasshoppers, they are herbivorous, feeding on available vegetation in their arid habitats.Sound: Males produce sound (stridulation) to attract mates, and specific lab recordings have been studied at temperatures around 35°C.

Unique Genetics: Scientific studies have noted the presence of supernumerary chromosome segments in this species, which are extra pieces of genetic material.

4-10-2023 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RAYMOND'S GRASSHOPPER (Omocestus raymondi)

 Omocestus raymondi is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in southern Europe and northern Africa.

21-4-2023 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RAYMOND'S GRASSHOPPER (Omocestus raymondi)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/513918-Omocestus-raymondi

Omocestus raymondi is a species of slant-faced grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in southern Europe and northern Africa.

30-4-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RAYMOND'S GRASSHOPPER ( Omocestus raymondi)

Raymond’s Grasshopper (Omocestus raymondi) is a small-to-medium sized slant-faced grasshopper found in hot, dry, sparsely vegetated rocky habitats, garrigues, and open woodlands across Southern Europe and North Africa. Active from late May to November, these insects are characterized by their Gomphocerinae subfamily traits. 

Key Facts about Raymond's Grasshopper (Omocestus raymondi):

Habitat: Prefers dry, rocky, and sunny areas, including, phrygana, sparse Mediterranean woodland, and rocky slopes.

Distribution: Found in Southern Europe (including S-France) and North Africa.

Appearance: A slant-faced grasshopper with relatively large, bulging eyes, particularly in males. The head can be blackish, or pale with darker bands.

Diet: As with many Acrididae, they are primarily herbivores, utilizing their strong jaws for feeding on vegetation.

Activity Period: Adults are present from late May to November.

Classification: Belonging to the family Acrididae (short-horned grasshoppers) and subfamily Gomphocerinae.