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.
The riparian woodland Ms. Mesquitey and I were hiking in is at around 6,000 ft. in elevation. I think that may be the upper...
I pursued the Mexican stoneroller ( Campostoma ornatum) for a few minutes trying to get a photo or two before deciding to quit harassing...
Petey chats about the hydro-seeded wildflowers he sees along the local roadsides. He seems a tad miffed.
