There are only two species of Lubber Grasshoppers found in southeastern Arizona; the Horse Lubber (Taeniopoda eques) and the Plains Lubber (Brachystola magna). Both live up to the name lubber as they are large and clumsy grasshoppers.
The Horse Lubber has bright red wings and can fly a little ways, but has they get older during their short life span their flights become brief and clumsy. Fun to watch though.
Plains Lubbers are wingless, but great hoppers, though not so great at the landing part. The name Brachystola means short robe and I think it refers to their short forewings, which are pink with black spots. Pretty cute. I think short robes will be trending soon.
Petey has wild dreams if he stays in bed too long in the morning. Get up Petey! Amoreuxia palmatifida is always a delightful botanical...
Some spring time banter about the soaptree yuccas (Yucca elata) and pale wolfberry plants (Lycium pallidum) found in the scruffy grassland surrounding our home...
Come on blue dicks and come on spring! Oh, while figuring out that the genus Dichelostemma translates as “a garland which is twice-parted to...
