Sand Grasshopper - Urnisa guttulosa
I have no idea as to how common these grasshoppers are in the Esperance region, but the one above had almost certainly been blown off-course as this species is normally an inland species inhabiting red sandy soils, thus enabling it to use its dark mottled colors to blend into the environment, whereas here on the south coast white sands, it stands out like a beacon.
These grasshoppers in their normal red sand environment, bury themselves (using their long middle pair of legs) so only the top of the head with the large bulging eyes are visible. Here it can hide, keep reasonably cool and conserve moisture in their hotter and more central Australian habitat. They do not occur in plague proportions like locusts and represent no substantial threat to agriculture. The above Sand Grasshopper was noted at the end of January and probably caught a ride on the frequent northerly winds of this time of year.
My thanks to Dr David Rentz for identification.
