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Description of a Spur-throated locust
The spur-throated locust, Austracris guttulosa, is readily distinguished from other pest species of locusts and grasshoppers by its large size and the presence of a spur between the front legs.
The adults are pale brown in colour with white stripes and dark markings. The hindwings are colourless or have a bluish tinge. The shanks of the hind legs bear are straw or mauve coloured and bear two rows of dark-tipped white spines. Adult males measure 55-65 mm in length while females are 70-80 mm long.
Adult
Above: Spur on underside of an adult
Nymph
Young nymphs are bright green. Older nymphs have a distinct pale or dark stripe down the middle of their back and often change in colour from green to straw coloured.
More images of this species can be found in the APLC's Locust and Grasshopper Identification Guide