Crickets Grasshoppers and Katydids: Orthoptera

Physical characteristics: The body is green or brown, leaflike, and measures 2 to 2.75 inches (50 to 70 millimeters) in length. Their mouthparts point forward, instead of downward. The legs, antennae, and wings are long and slender.

Geographic range: Balsam beasts are found in New South Wales and Queensland (Australia).

Habitat: They live in coastal wooded suburbs and gardens.

Diet: This species feeds on a wide variety of flowers and trees and is especially fond of garden balsam (Impatiens sp.).

Balsam beasts are found in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. (Illustration by Bruce Worden. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: They are active at night in the tree tops.

Females lay their eggs one at a time in the cracks found on bark, especially near the base of the tree.

Balsam beasts and people: They are sometimes considered garden pests.

Conservation status: This species is not endangered or threatened. ∎