Phymateus saxosus Tropical Insect Locust Grasshopper Cricket Orthoptera Celiferous Pyrgomorphidae

Phymateus saxosus madascariensis cm 4.5-5.5 wing span cm 8-12 Tropical Insect Locust Grasshopper Cricket Orthoptera Celiferous Pyrgomorphidae.
Family: Pyrgomorphidae.
Common name: Rainbow Milkweed Locust.
Syn. Phymateus buyssoni, Phymateus cardinalis, Phymateus puniceus.

Species of the genus Phymateus are African grasshoppers about 70 millimetres long, including the measurement of the wings spread over the abdomen. 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.