Webb Canyon, ~2000 ft. elevation, Los Angeles County, California, USA
August 12, 2009
Size: ~12 mm
Recently, I submitted
this post showing what is most likely an immature
Morsea californica. From what I can tell, this specimen (which I also rescued from the pool) is probably an adult male. I will let Dave have the final verdict as to whether it is the same species or not, and correct my gender/age determination (if necessary). :-)
On a personal note, this grasshopper was so accommodating and willing to hang out with me while I took endless photos, that I grew quite fond of it. As always though, I eventually placed it safely in some undergrowth, said good-bye and wished it well... These monkey grasshoppers are super awesome and I felt very honored to get to spend some quality one-on-one time with this fine fellow. Hoping very much that I get the opportunity to see some more this year -- ideally NOT floating in the swimming pool. :-)
Oops! Almost forgot -- super extra bonus points if anyone can ID the tiny wasp (?) hitching a ride in this photo.