Preliminary Investigations of the Biology and Management of Leichhardt's Grasshopper, Petasida ephippigera White

Abstract

Leichhardt's grasshopper Petasida ephippigera White is found only in the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia. Small populations are known from Kakadu National Park (KNP) and Keep River National Park (KRNP), Northern Territory. Kakadu National Park is a major tourist destination for national and international visitors, and the attractive adult coloration of P. ephippigera has resulted in its wide use in advertising literature by park and safari operators. However, despite its high profile, the ecology of P. ephippigera is poorly understood. A pilot study of P. ephippigera was conducted over two successive wet seasons at three sites in KNP. Juveniles are well camouflaged, in size and color, and adult coloration is aposematic. The occurrence of P. ephippigera is linked to the distribution of the strongly aromatic shrubs Pityrodia jamesii Specht in KNP and Pityrodia ternifolia (F. Muell.) Munir (Family Verbenaceae) in KRNP; these are primary food sources for both juvenile and adult P. ephippigera. Further research is needed on the impact to populations of P. ephippigera by tourism and current burning practices, in order to formulate management strategies to prevent localised extinctions of this grasshopper.