7 May 2011

Speckled Bush Cricket



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Speckled Bush Cricket Nymphs

Finally had rain today after weeks of very little so haven't ventured out but I took a quick look in the garden between showers and on a Buttercup plant I saw what looked like a greenfly. However closer examination revealed something quite different and unexpected. What I thought was "greenfly" turned out to be Bush Cricket Nymphs. I think they are the Nymph of the Speckled Bush Cricket.




Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima







Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima







Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima








Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima


The Nymphs go through a number of moults (shedding their skin).  Each time becoming a larger more developed version until they are the finished  adult . The juvenile versions are called "Instars" and a cricket can have up to 13 instars but the Speckled Bush Cricket has a more modest 6 instars. I am not sure which number this is but it must be fairly early because they are so small.






Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima


They may be tiny and not fully developed but they can still jump a good distance and when they jump they are pretty hard to find again as they blend in well with the vegetation.







Speckled Bush Cricket - Leptophyes punctatissima






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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous8 May 2011 at 00:07

    Lovely images, Pete.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pete Smith9 May 2011 at 18:27

    Thanks Mike for your comments and indirectly introducing me to your interesting blog which I will now be following. Some great Fox pictures.

    Pete

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12 May 2011 at 14:12

    Thanks, Pete. I am glad to have you following my blog. The marsh foxes are very timid and if they are startled, they stay away for a while.

    I like your insect images. Am I right in assuming that insects are you passion?

    I am a generalist: I am fascinated by all aspects of nature.

    Regards,


    Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pete Smith12 May 2011 at 19:34

    Hi Mike,
    I suppose insects are my passion at the moment but like you I am also interested in all aspects of nature and not so long ago Birds was my main interest but having returned to photography a few years ago I caught the Macro bug and have enjoyed learning about the world of insects and just getting out into the countryside when I can.

    Its a lot harder getting pictures of mammals! I admire your patience and fieldcraft with the foxes.

    Pete

    ReplyDelete
  5. Monica13 May 2011 at 21:16

    Cute guys, great shots!

    ReplyDelete

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