Phymateus morbillosus
The vibrant colours of the Common Milkweed Locust, both in the adults and in the nymphs, serves as a warning to any would-be predators that these insects are not only foul-tasting but also potentially lethally toxic. They feed on poisonous plants, incorporating the toxins into their own tissues. The females lay their eggs in late summer with the nymphs then appearing the following spring and maturing slowly over the next 2 years. They’re found in open habitats over most of South Africa and usually in groups congregating on their favourite food plants.
Common Milkweed Locust nymphs
Common Milkweed Locust
Common Milkweed Locusts
Common Milkweed Locust
DeWetsWild 
Colorful, indeed!
Very true, John, but boy is it scary!
For sure.
Who would think a locust could be so beautiful. What a fascinating creature
Fascinating yes. Colourful yes. But oh my Helen, I am too scared of this animal to call it beautiful…
he has wonderful colors
You’ll hear no disagreement from me on that score, Gavin, though wonderful colours does not necessarily a beautiful insect make.
Gorgeous, so colorful!
Colourful they may be, Donna, but they give me the creeps!
Hiert, maar dis ‘n lelike gedierte!
Lyk my hierdie kreatuur verdeel nogal die opinie, Tannie Frannie. Ek sit aan jou kant van die vuur.
😆
Such beauty!!!!
Proving again that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Anne. To me the Afrikaans saying “Al dra n aap n goue ring, hy is en bly n lelike ding” comes to mind…
🙂 🙂
Ja nee, en stink ook. Hul maak seker dat niks en niemand hul eet nie.
Hulle grillerige “looks” is genoeg om my te oorreed om hulle uit te los!
Ja-nee, mens het nie behoefte om aan hul te vat nie.