The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper, Romalea microptera, is one of the largest insects in the southeastern United States, characterized by its substantial size and bright, often yellow, orange, or black, coloration. This striking appearance serves as a warning signal in nature but often leads to public concern about whether the slow-moving creature poses a physical threat. Understanding its biology and defense strategies provides a clear answer regarding the true nature of the risk it presents.
Lubber Grasshopper Anatomy and Feeding Habits
The anatomy of the lubber grasshopper confirms it is not equipped to bite large mammals in a harmful way. Like all grasshoppers, this species possesses mandibles, which are strong, hardened mouthparts used for chewing and cutting plant tissue. These specialized structures are designed solely for their diet of tough vegetation, a process known as herbivory.
The grasshopper’s diet is broad, consisting of over 100 different plant species. While they consume large amounts of plant material, their mandibles are not structured for piercing or tearing skin in a defensive strike. The lubber grasshopper is flightless and moves mostly by walking. Its focus is entirely on eating, making the risk of a defensive bite to a human negligible.
Primary Defense Mechanisms
The lubber grasshopper’s defense relies entirely on chemical warfare, advertised by its conspicuous aposematic coloration. When threatened, the insect employs defensive behaviors, starting with spreading its wings and producing a hissing sound by expelling air. This display is quickly followed by the secretion of a foul-smelling, sometimes frothy, fluid from specialized glands located near the spiracles (breathing pores).
This noxious secretion is a mixture of sequestered and synthesized compounds whose exact toxicity varies based on the plants the grasshopper has consumed. The fluid’s purpose is to deter vertebrate predators, such as birds and small mammals, who may become ill after attempting ingestion. Lubbers can also regurgitate a dark, repellent fluid from their gut, sometimes called “tobacco juice,” which can stain skin and clothing.
Safety When Encountering Lubbers
Since the main concern is the chemical defense employed when disturbed, handling the insect is strongly discouraged. The defensive foam and regurgitated fluid can be irritating and foul-smelling. Although contact with the skin is generally harmless to humans, the expelled liquids can spray up to 15 centimeters and should be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes.
A more significant danger exists for household pets, especially dogs, who may attempt to eat the grasshoppers. The toxins contained within the lubber are harmful if ingested, and animals have been known to die from the secretions. If a pet consumes a lubber, owners should monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and consult a veterinarian if concerning symptoms appear. Gardeners needing to remove the pests should use the safest non-contact method: hand-picking them and placing them into a container of soapy water for disposal.