Identify this critter?

[kittygilchrist]

I took this photo recently near The Villages and thought some of you may be able to identify it. I learned its real name in the Master Gardener course. Growing up in Florida we called it a Georgia Hopper.

[Villager Joyce]

Big @$$ grasshopper.

[kittygilchrist]

Big @$$ grasshopper.

It certainly is! You win!:clap2:

[zcaveman]

Would this be it?

Florida's Giant Orange Grasshopper - Florida eco travel guide (http://www.wildflorida.com/articles/Floridas_Giant_Orange_Grasshoppers.php)

Z

[kittygilchrist]

Would this be it?

Florida's Giant Orange Grasshopper - Florida eco travel guide (http://www.wildflorida.com/articles/Floridas_Giant_Orange_Grasshoppers.php)

Z

Yes, it is an Eastern Lubber. They are ubiquitous outside The Villages and I would guess those living on the borders of pest control see them. They are voracious pests for growers. Most home gardeners can hand pick them off their plants without resorting to chemicals.

More about this beautiful hopper from UF IFAS
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in132