Anacridium aegyptium, Egyptian Grasshopper (Linnaeus, 1764) Body length 32mm to 66mm.
This is one of Europe’s largest grasshoppers. Colours vary from brown, grey, yellowish and Olive coloured species. This species is easily recognisable by several vertical lines on the eyes. Spawning occurs in spring just under the soil surface, the nymphs appear in April. These grasshoppers undergo several moults. The nymphs have the appearance of the adults, their colours vary from yellow to bright green and ochre; the wings are absent or small and gradually develop after each moult.
Habitats…. Various open scrub lands, agricultural, orchards, olive groves and gardens. Feeding on a wide range of plants, not just the leaves but also devour the flower heads.
Season, all year round in Spain but more likely to be seen in large numbers between May to September.
Below are images of nymphs and adults.