Locusts in Fuerteventura - Esperanza or Tettigoniidae

The Locusts that live in Fuerteventura, including Esperanza or Tettoniidae. 

During the  2014 World Cup, Columbian footballer, Rodriguez, took a penalty with a huge grasshopper attached to his arm. But what kind of grasshopper was it? 

An article by DaveG with The Voice Fuerteventura 

It is thought, from the footage, that the goal-scoring grass hopper is an insect from the Tettigoniidae family. A large family which includes around 6,400 different species. They are robust creatures and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are commonly called ‘Bush crickets,’ ‘Esperanza’s’ or ‘Katydid’s’ and thrive in tropical regions, where the conditions are cool, dry and temperate, such as Northern America.  

What do Locusts in the Canary Islands look like?

Tettigoniids range in size between 5cm and 130cm and although they look like a grasshopper or locust, are actually more of a cricket and distinguished by the length of their antennae which can be as long as their whole body. Locusts antennae are shorter, as you can see in the photo.

What do Canarian Locusts eat?

Tettigoniids are nocturnal, tree-living insects that normally feed on leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds. The amount of nutrition available often dictates the lengths to which they can grow, with smaller species living in more stressful, with poor vegetation. However, that is not always the case, as some of the larger species are predatory and will also feed on other insects, snails and even small vertebrates such as snakes or lizards too. 

What sound do Locusts in Fuerteventura make?

They get the nickname ‘Katydid’ from the sound that they make. The males, and some females, have sound producing organs on their front wings. One side is formed like a comb and has tough ridges, the other is smooth, like a plectrum. When the two are rubbed together, it produces a high pitched trill.  

Are there many locusts in Fuerteventura?

We have had a whole plague of them and anyone that has lived here a while, back in the 2000's will remember that experience vividly. El Hierro also had a plague of them back in 1988. But do we see them on a regular basis? The answer is no, as they prefer the greener Canary Islands and Fuerteventura is mainly dessert! Phew!