Anabrus simplex

Anabrus simplex is also known as the Mormon cricket. It is a large long-horned grasshopper found in open, sparsely vegetated areas. Nymphs hatch in soil in the spring and begin feeding on vegetation. During outbreaks, nymphs will move together in large bands. Adults are 28- to 45-mm long. In this photograph, a female is laying eggs in the soil using her long ovipositor. You see it inserted in the soil.

Order: Orthoptera
Family: Tettigoniidae
Species: Anabrus simplex

Photograph: © 2009 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 28 August 2009
Location: Yellowstone National Park (44^o57'15" N 110^o42'12" W)

Anabrus simplex © 2013 RKD Peterson