Recently while walking across the Augusta University Campus my granddaughter spotted the largest grasshopper, she had ever seen.

        Since she knows her grandmother and grandfather are interested in wildlife sightings, she took several pictures of the huge insect using her smart phone and later shared them with us.  

         It turned out that she had photographed the largest grasshopper found in Georgia.  This gigantic grasshopper is the eastern lubber (Romalea microptera).  The critter is sometimes called “The Georgia Thumper.”  

         This grasshopper measures 2½ to 3½ inches long.

         Fortunately, my granddaughter did not try to handle the insect.  The reason for this is, if the grasshopper feels threatens, it defends itself by launching a horrible-smelling toxic spray.

          If you find a lubber grasshopper, you will notice it is equipped with extremely small wings.  In fact, they are so tiny, it cannot fly. As such, it moves from place by walking or crawling.

          Since this native grasshopper ranges throughout the Southeast, there is a chance you might see one in your yard.  If you do find one, please let me know the city and county where it was seen.