# Italian locust (*Calliptamus italicus*) The Italian locust is a lively grasshopper that loves to hop around in sunny fields. With its long legs and green body, it can jump really high and is often seen in groups. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Italian locust](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Calliptamus_italicus03.jpg&width=800) Photo: Kulac, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calliptamus_italicus03.jpg) ## Appearance The Italian locust has a sturdy body, typically grey or brownish with darker spots on its wings. Its most distinctive feature is the bright reddish-orange coloring on the lower part of its powerful hind legs, which contrasts with its more muted body. It also has a prominent ridge on its back. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Calliptamus ## Interesting facts - A single female Italian locust can lay hundreds of eggs in a tiny underground pod! - Did you know that "locust" is just a phase some grasshoppers enter? - Their massive swarms can be so dense they sometimes block out the sun! - These powerful insects were even mentioned in ancient stories as forces of nature! ## Special abilities - **Mass Migration:** Italian locusts can gather in huge swarms because of overcrowding, that helps them find new food sources across wide areas. - **Super Leaper:** Italian locusts can jump incredibly far because of their powerful hind legs, that helps them escape predators quickly. - **Ground Mimicry:** Italian locusts have variable body colors that helps them blend perfectly with dry ground and vegetation. - **Chirping Communicator:** Italian locusts can make sounds by rubbing their legs and wings together, which helps them attract mates. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-60 mm - **Size:** 15-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These hungry insects munch on many different types of plants, especially grasses and cereals! - **Primary Foods:** grasses, wheat, barley, alfalfa, clover - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Kestrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-kestrel) (*Falco tinnunculus*) — Kestrels hunt locusts as a food source. - **Hunts:** European Praying Mantis (*Mantis religiosa*) — Mantises ambush and eat these locusts. - **Eats:** [Wheat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/wheat) (*Triticum aestivum*) — Locusts can cause significant damage to wheat crops. - **Eats:** [Barley](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barley) (*Hordeum vulgare*) — They consume barley, impacting agricultural fields. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and don't try to catch them; they like to hop freely! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Italian locust? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Italian locust's wingspan? 30-60 mm ### How big is Italian locust? 15-30 mm ### How long does Italian locust live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Italian locust fly? 15 km/h ### What does Italian locust eat? These hungry insects munch on many different types of plants, especially grasses and cereals! ### Where is Italian locust usually found? Grasslands ### How does Italian locust hunt? Grazing ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Italian locust: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/italian-locust)