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Giant Red winged Grasshopper (Tropidacris cristata)
This cool looking grasshopper (Tropidacris cristata) is one of the largest insects in the world. The Giant Red-winged Grasshopper can grow to over 4 inches long and can have up to a 9-inch wingspan. They can be found in many regions of Central and South America. Like most other grasshoppers, the Giant Red Wing is active during daylight hours. Giant Red-wings are generally not found in huge numbers, except in certain region during special seasons.
Not a whole lot is known about the Giant Red-winged Grasshopper as few studies have been done on them. In most respects, they share many features that are common with other types of grasshopper. Because of their large size, Giant Red-wings are sought as a food source in some cultures. Their size also increases the chance that they might be mistaken for a bird while in flight. There have been a few cases of the Giant Red-winged Grasshopper being shot by hunters who thought it was a bird.
I took this picture while visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica. Below is the equipment that used to take this photo.
Photo Captured with the following equipment:
Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Prime Lens
For more information about the Giant Red-winged Grasshopper and other amazing tropical insects, check out these resources below.
Amazon Insects – A Photo Guide
Insects and Other Arthropods of Tropical America
30 Million Different Insects in the Rainforest