Roesel’s Bush-cricket

Metrioptera roeselii

Description

Over all length 13 - 22mm. This is a medium sized though robust species, that has short and long-winged forms, and can be dark, brownish or green. The most obvious identification mark is the bright yellow or green line that goes around three sides of the pronotum (the plate covering the equivalent of its neck and shoulders). The females can be identified by their long, curved ovipositors.

Habitat

Normally found in rank vegetation of grasses and brambles. Often seen basking on bramble leaves. Can crop up in any of the grassy areas of the site.

Status and distribution

Nationally concentrated into the south-eastern corner of the British Isles, but is spreading northwards and westwards. First recorded at the lagoons in 2009 and now a commonly seen insect.

Best time to see

May to October

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - September 2nd 2012

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - August 12th 2012

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - August 19th 2012

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - long-winged form, diluta - basking - September 19th 2015

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - long-winged form, diluta - basking - August 2nd 2020

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - long-winged form, diluta - September 19th 2015

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - female - October 7th 2014

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - female - green form - August 27th 2017

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - female - green form - July 11th 2020

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - female with spermatophylax - July 30th 2017

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - pair - August 6th 2017

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - first instar nymph - May 23rd 2016

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - early instar male nymph - May 23rd 2016

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - middle instar nymph - June 14th 2015

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - late instar nymph - July 6th 2014

  • Roesel's Bush-cricket - male - late instar nymph - July 6th 2014