Phymateus saxosus
Phymateus saxosus
SPECIES Phymateus saxosus
ORIGIN Madagascar
FRAME 14.5x14.5xD5cm Made from recycled products.
DESCRIPTION AKA Rainbow Milkweed locust. Red wings on this grasshopper. These hoppers can congregate in large numbers on trees and feed on highly poisonous milkweed plants rendering them toxic to prey. Their highly coloured wings are a warning to any intended predators - they rustle their wings when disturbed and secrete a toxic fluid from their thoracic joint.
Grasshoppers, crickets, katydids and locusts make up the order Orthoptera which means 'straight wings'. Most are easily recognisable by their hind legs, which are usually enlarged for jumping. All can be distinguished from other insects by the following features:
- 2 pairs of wings. The upper wings are more narrow than the hind wings which are held folded under the forewings when resting
- large compound eyes
- powerful modified hind legs ( for jumping )
- ability to produce sounds by rubbing their legs, wings or abdomen together - predominantly males to attract the females
- antennae which can be long and thin ( usually katydids ) or short ( usually grasshoppers ) depending on species
We carry a large range of assorted Orthoptera from countries as varied as Madagascar to Thailand to Peru. They come in various colours and sizes.
Please note colour may differ in from specimen to specimen
COMES IN RECYCLED CARDBOARD GIFT BOX
Care
All frames are professionally prepared and fumigated for a minimum of six months prior to sale. While every precaution is taken, museum mites may occasionally occur.
Prevention is better than the cure! To help protect your collection, we strongly recommend placing your display in the freezer for one week each year. Regular inspection and monitoring are also recommended to help preserve your specimen for many years to come.
To minimise fading, avoid direct or reflected sunlight. Please also protect your display from extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Glass may shatter if dropped. Hang only using the hook provided.
For more information and complete care instructions, please visit the FAQ section of our website.
Shipping & Delivery
We offer free nationwide standard shipping on all orders over $150. All orders under $150 incur a $12 shipping fee per order.
Express shipping options available at the checkout.
For all international orders, shipping is calculated at the checkout.
Each order is dispatched within 1-3 business days from our Mudgeeraba, QLD warehouse.
Tracking will be automatically provided via email once your order has been dispatched.
To read more about our shipping timeframes, please click here.
If you would like to view our returns policy, please click here.
Disclaimer
All specimens sold by Bits & Bugs are real insects and natural products. Due to the unique nature of each specimen, variations in colour, size, markings, and appearance may occur. Product images are provided as a guide only and may not represent the exact item received. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information on this website, product availability, specifications, and pricing are subject to change without notice. By using this website and purchasing our products, you acknowledge and accept these conditions.
FAQ
To read our Frequently Asked Questions, click here.