Painted Grasshopper
These stunning grasshoppers are native here and relatively common at least in some parts of the state, but this is the first time I've seen them for myself. Photos don't do them justice! The bright bold colors serve a purpose, too -- they warn would-be predators that these are not good to eat! Scientists call it aposematism; other examples include monarch butterflies, poison dart frogs, and skunks.
Painted Grasshopper
These stunning grasshoppers are native here and relatively common at least in some parts of the state, but this is the first time I've seen them for myself. Photos don't do them justice! The bright bold colors serve a purpose, too -- they warn would-be predators that these are not good to eat! Scientists call it aposematism; other examples include monarch butterflies, poison dart frogs, and skunks.