Keep climbing, little guy! 🦗

Keep climbing, little guy! 🦗
A Close-Up Look at the Common Macrotona Grasshopper (Macrotona australis)

There’s something captivating about nature’s smallest wanderers - especially when they’re on a journey that’s way bigger than they are. Recently, we shared a brief but fascinating moment capturing a Common Macrotona Grasshopper (Macrotona australis) scaling a wall with quiet determination.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes this little insect so interesting, from its natural habitat to its ecological role. Whether you’re an insect enthusiast, a macro photographer, or just someone who enjoys nature up close, this tiny grasshopper is worth a closer look.

Watch the video here →

Meet the Common Macrotona (Macrotona australis)

The Common Macrotona is a species of spur-throated grasshopper native to southeastern Australia. Often overlooked due to its size and camouflage, this little insect plays a quiet but essential role in grassland ecosystems.

🔍 Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Macrotona australis
Common Name: Common Macrotona Grasshopper
Size: 1.7 to 3.0 cm in body length
Habitat: Heathlands, spinifex grass, grassy open forests
Distribution: Found across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and parts of Western Australia

This species is particularly common in spinifex-dominated habitats, where it blends in beautifully with its surroundings - a masterclass in natural camouflage.

What Makes Macrotona australis Special?

The Macrotona can appear in shades ranging from grey and brown to reddish hues, especially noticeable near the base of the hind legs. This subtle variation helps it stay hidden from predators while basking in the sunlight or clinging to dried grass.

Like many grasshoppers, Macrotona has powerful hind legs that allow it to leap great distances relative to its size. This is not just a survival tactic, but also an efficient mode of travel through its often dense, grassy environment.

Though small, grasshoppers like the Macrotona help break down plant matter and recycle nutrients. They also serve as a critical food source for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

In our video, we stumbled upon this little climber as it slowly made its way up a wall, its textured exoskeleton and deliberate movements were mesmerizing - a perfect example of how patient observation reveals the beauty in the everyday.

The macro perspective offers an intimate look at a world we often miss - where even a few inches of progress is a mighty journey.

Tips for Spotting and Filming Grasshoppers 🪲

If you're interested in seeing one for yourself or filming your own insect - look in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are mild. Stay low and still - sudden movements will scare them off. Use a macro lens or a smartphone macro attachment to get close without disturbing them. Watch your step! Many grasshoppers freeze when approached and can be hard to see.

Conservation Note 🛑

Grasshopper populations, like many insects, can be affected by habitat destruction from agriculture and development, pesticide use that disrupts insect life cycles, climate change, altering habitat availability and breeding patterns. Appreciating and documenting even common species like Macrotona australis contributes to raising awareness of biodiversity and the importance of conservation - even for the smallest creatures.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, it's the quietest moments that teach us the most - a grasshopper climbing a wall can remind us of persistence, patience, and the hidden beauty in the world just beneath our feet.

So next time you’re out in the bush, on a hike, or just enjoying your backyard, keep an eye out for the Common Macrotona. And remember to...

Keep climbing, little guy! 🦗