Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

** Info taken from jacksonville.com** My Photo.

Extensive damage has been recorded to citrus, vegetable crops and landscape plants. Amaryllis-type plants are some of their favorites. Here is some information about this critter.

Description

It is one of the most intimidating insects because of its large size and distinct colors. At maturity, males and females reach 21/2 to 3 inches long, respectively. Color varies, but they are typically dull yellow with black spots and markings.

Although not capable of flying, they have two pairs of wings. The front pair of wings is yellow with numerous black spots and the hind wings, usually hidden, are bright red/rose with a black border. There is a darker form of the adult lubber that is mostly black with a few marks of dull yellow.

The immature stage is referred to as a nymph and looks very different from the adult grasshopper. Nymphs are usually black with one or more yellow, orange, or red stripes, and the front legs and sides of the head are red. Some are brownish red but still have the characteristic stripes.