Meenakshi Mallik
Ak Grasshopper (Poekilocerus pictus)
This photograph was taken at Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.
The Ak grasshopper is also known as poecilocerus pictus. It is one of the Painted Grasshoppers. It belongs to Family Pyrogomorphinae (known for cryptic as well as bright colours hence called Gaudy Grasshoppers and are also known for “Spear” shaped heads) and is one of the most colorful grasshoppers of India.
The nymphs display spots of varied colours from yellow, orange to blue and green. The adults show yellow and blue striped on head and thorax, a bright red abdomen, green-yellow forewings and red hind wings which are seen only in flight. The adults grow to about 60mm and are capable of good flight. The color in nymphs as well as adults is bright and warning and is explained due to the presence of toxic alkaloids present in Calotropis they feed on.
Their mouth is of biting and chewing type. The fore wings are smaller, broad and leathery. The hind wings are membranous and larger. They help in jumping.
Ak Grasshopper (Poekilocerus pictus)
This photograph was taken at Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.
The Ak grasshopper is also known as poecilocerus pictus. It is one of the Painted Grasshoppers. It belongs to Family Pyrogomorphinae (known for cryptic as well as bright colours hence called Gaudy Grasshoppers and are also known for “Spear” shaped heads) and is one of the most colorful grasshoppers of India.
The nymphs display spots of varied colours from yellow, orange to blue and green. The adults show yellow and blue striped on head and thorax, a bright red abdomen, green-yellow forewings and red hind wings which are seen only in flight. The adults grow to about 60mm and are capable of good flight. The color in nymphs as well as adults is bright and warning and is explained due to the presence of toxic alkaloids present in Calotropis they feed on.
Their mouth is of biting and chewing type. The fore wings are smaller, broad and leathery. The hind wings are membranous and larger. They help in jumping.