Camouflage queen

I found yet another oversized garden muncher on my plants today. She appears to be a female Rain Locust. Definitely female because the males have wings and this one is large and adult and there is no sign of any budding wings. The large round shapes you see are hearing organs. The camouflage is really good although the orange patch is surprising. Usually when insects warn predators that they are toxic, the warning colours are deeper red so perhaps this is just part of the camouflage.

Many locusts are edible and can be roasted as a high-quality protein snack. I don't think I'm that hungry, though. In our changing world, edible insects are often suggested as a good alternative protein source to meat or fish but the human race generally feels a little squeamish about that although termites, giant caterpillars and locusts have always been regarded as good food by rural populations in my country.

A typical defensive stance: tucking the back legs in so as to not show a giveaway grasshopper profile to predators

Hanging out in the Aeoniums

That large abdomen looks pretty full so I suspect that she's ready to lay eggs. I hope my resident snake is nearby, this will make a good meal. My cats won't try her, those back legs have quite a powerful kick and she's a bit big for the average bird and the Ibises have quit hanging out in my garden since I tidied it up and cut the bushes back. So it's all up to the snake.