This gaudy grasshopper is spectacular enough on its own, but peeking over the petals of an agapanthus flower it made quite a show.

Also known as a foam grasshopper (or locust), its bright colours serve as a warning advertisement that it is toxic. If threatened foam grasshoppers can exude a foamy secretion that is toxic to predators.

Peeking over a petal it appeared to eye me warily, but it made no attempt to hide way, perhaps confident that it pays to advertise. These insects belong to the Pyrogomorphidae family.

Posted in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge with the theme “Peek” and the invitation to “show us just enough of your subject to pique our interest”.  For more photos on this theme click here.

Posted by Carol