Large Cricket to ponder over

[Geoff F]

Today, S. Devon, grassy track beside a farm.



I saw a Long-winged Conehead (Conocephalus discolor) in this general area last year. So at first I thought that was the answer; but it did seem a bit large. Possibly 30 mm or a little bigger without the tail. Quite a bit larger than Meadows which were also present.

Therefore a Great Green Bush Cricket (Tettigonia viridissima) also seems possible.

I am assuming the small wings but developed tail mean that it is a final instar nymph.

So any help appreciated.

It was looking up at me, but behind a grass stem, while I adjusted my camera and tripod but this was the best image which I could manage before it casually hopped away.

Actually, I did struggle a bit to see this creature because a little earlier my glasses 'escaped'. They were in my shirt top pocket and although I searched at the most likely location, nothing was found.

I only take cheap 'supermarket' glasses with me so no great loss; it just meant that I couldn't decide if a possible subject was worth photographing until I looked through my camera lens. Long distance vision is fine.

[Bobbobthebob]

It's the wrong shape for a conehead. It does look good for Great Green Bush-cricket. What a cracker!

[Wild-Woman]

A very nice find indeed. The first time I saw these I couldn't believe they were a British species. Superb creatures.

[Geoff F]

Thanks for the help. I will keep a look out in this area to see if I can obtain a better photo.