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Photo#127832
Gigantic Texas Grasshopper - Neobarrettia spinosa - female

Gigantic Texas Grasshopper - Neobarrettia spinosa - Female
Spring Branch, Comal County, Texas, USA
July 15, 2007
Size: Nine inches
A docile creature that didn't mind the closeup attention. The grout line next to it is approximately 1 inch wide. He was to big for a macro shot.

Images of this individual: tag all
Gigantic Texas Grasshopper - Neobarrettia spinosa - female Gigantic Texas Grasshopper - Neobarrettia spinosa - female

Neobarettia.
This is a female (note sword-like ovipositor that males don't have) of Neobarettia spinosa. They are at least partly carnivorous, but then most grasshoppers and katydids are opportunistic predators.

 
Neobarettia
Females are that colorful! The males must be spectacular. Thanks for the ID.

 
Giant Texas Grasshopper
9 inches long? You have the antenea measured with that or something?

I live in Gonzales, TX which is not very far from Comal County. We have those grasshoppers hear all the time. I have three of them inside a 1 gallon pickle jar right now and there is way one those insects are 9" long. I have seen these all my life and never seen one that large as described and doubt that is the true measurement of what is in that picture. The largest I measured was 8.7 cm for the total body length. That large spear on the back was 7.8 cm. That's roughly 6.5" total and that is about the size that they get here. I'd love to see one that was 9"! That would make some great fishing bait! :) Next time keep a carpenters ruler with you or a measuring tape for a more accurate measuring tool and reference.

 
How ironic!
I live in Cistern, Tx. (Fayette county) which is also just down the road from Comal and Gonzales counties. I also have three of these in three different jars. I started out with one in one jar and then caught 2 more. I put these 2 together in another jar. One proceeded to attack the other one and almost bit its abdomen in half. I promptly separated them but the third is not doing so well. Also when I caught the first one it latched on to my calloused farm boy thumb. She sank her jaws in deep and actually drew blood. Needless to say my trapping technique changed.
9 inches long? I really find that hard to believe but who am I to say. All I know is I didn't bother measuring these but they are nowhere close to 9 inches. A true 9 incher could literally bite your finger to the bone. It would be interesting to know the psi of these monsters' bite.
Anyway I have one plan in mind for them. LARGE MOUTH BASS!!!

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