Moved from Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids.

The two species are related with similar color patterns. Some authors have even considered them to be subspecies of one species, though genetic studies have shown them not to be conspecific (S. americana is more related to other American species than to the African species).

There are other populations further south in the Americas that may or may not be biological subspecies of S. americana (it is debated), and that are much more similar. However, I'd say the native Floridian species is the most likely for this one. Seems the school should know what species they have beyond a common name(?). If it was from a local supplier though, again the native species is the most likely; the USDA tends to frown on non-native species, and they are pretty strictly regulated (at least when everything is on the up and up). Also, these are often smaller in captivity than in the wild.

This African species is commonly reared for lab work and as pet food in Europe, but is usually not available in the US as it has the potential to become a dangerous invasive. I doubt that a single individual could do any damage, but still, I would not recommend releasing it. It makes an interesting pet, I'd imagine!