Large Painted Locusts

The large painted locust is one of two species of painted locust endemic to the Galapagos Islands. They were first reported by Carl Stål in 1861, and are easily recognized by their vivid coloring. Except for Espanola, where the little painted locust is present, they are present on all islands. They are common in the lowlands, especially after a lot of rain, and are frequently seen around lights on the populated islands. Lava lizards and the Galapagos hawk prey on them. The huge painted locust has no close relatives on the mainland, but because of its powerful flight, it is thought to have colonized the Galapagos Islands by air. They can quickly jump up to three meters, making them excellent jumpers as well.

Schistocerca is the genus that includes the giant painted locust. This genus of grasshoppers, often known as bird grasshoppers, frequently swarms like locusts. There are another 50 additional species in the genus, with the desert locust being the most well-known. As its name suggests, the little painted locust is a smaller locust with a duller coloring.