EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

28 March - 3 April 2011

Click on image for larger version

Painted Locust Trapped on the Islands

Large Painted Locust (Schistocera melanocera), Family Acrididae
Punta Moreno, Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation: This beautiful, colorful orthopteran is trapped!

The Large Painted Locust is endemic to -- occurs only on -- the Galapagos Islands of the eastern Pacific Ocean. There, it has spread to all the local islands (except one, Espanola Island, for some unknown reason).

It likely evolved from another locust species that was blown over or perhaps rafted from the mainland, millennia ago. But now it is a species unique to this wonderful archipelago.

Next week's picture: The Common But Striking Toad of South Asia

< Previous ... | Archive | Index | Location | Search | About EPOW | ... Next >

Google Earth locations
shows all EPOW locations;
must have Google Earth installed

Author & Webmaster: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot
Disclaimers and Legal Statements
Original material on Ecology Picture of the Week © Bruce G. Marcot

Member Theme of The Plexus