March 30, 2024

I am a Long-headed Toothpick Grasshopper

My name suits me to a tee

I readily pass

For a piece of dead grass,

A toothpick, or just some debris.

Location: UF DeLuca Preserve 2024 Bioblitz

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/strid.pdf

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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September 18, 2022

I am either a Chinese or Narrow-winged Mantis

You can't tell exactly from this point of view

I'm Chinese if there's a yellow spot between my  raptorial legs

Narrow-winged if that spot has an orangish hue.

Special thanks to guest photographer, Tammie Nelson.

Location: Private residence, Cheverly, MD

Sources: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/5087

https://thedragonflywoman.com/2010/12/10/insect-legs/

Photo © 2022 Tammie Nelson and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 9, 2022

I am Long-headed Toothpick Grasshopper,

My antennae are shaped like swords

With my color and shape I blend in with weeds

And enjoy the camouflage that they afford.

(This photo was taken on the front bumper of a friends car - clearly Long-headed Toothpick Grasshoppers are easier to see when they are not hiding in the grass!)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/strid.pdf

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 21, 2021

I am a long-headed toothpick grasshopper

My name says all you need to know

I have wings that are too small for me to fly

So I hop wherever I go.

Location: Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/strid.pdf

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson