PHYMATEUS SAXOSUS
Rainbow Milkweed Locust EMBEDDED IN CLEAR RESIN
Species of the genus Phymateus are African locusts about 70 millimetres (2.8 in) long. Some species at maturity are capable of long migratory flights. They raise and rustle wings when disturbed and may secrete a noxious fluid from the thoracic joint. These locusts feed on highly toxic plants and usually congregate in large numbers on trees and shrubs, arranged in such a way as to resemble foliage. Females of the species Phymateus morbillosus are unable to fly, despite fully developed wings.
Species of this genus can be found in Southern, Central and East Africa, through Somalia and Madagascar to India. This locust's body is a riot of color; its bold hues are a warning to predators that it's toxic. When threatened, it produces a poisonous froth from openings beneath its wings. This toxin comes from the milkweed plant, which the locust eats, and is strong enough to kill animals and people. |
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