Update: Thanks to the comments on Reddit, this was identified as a Koppie Foam Grasshopper (Dictyophorus spumans). The red coloration is a warning sign that it's indeed poisonous, the result of consuming a steady diet of milkweed.
“The grasshoppers ingest these toxins which they exude in a foam from their thoracic joints for their own protection when threatened. Human and animal fatalities are known to have occurred from ingesting these grasshoppers.” — Kruger Park News
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Andrew says
November 15, 2010 at 12:53 amWow, that’s just unbelievable, I’ve never seen an insect with colors like that. Also, fantastic photography on your part as usual.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Anonymous says
November 15, 2010 at 4:17 amSo what was the conversation on Reddit about the photo? Nice photo by the way!
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Dave says
November 15, 2010 at 12:13 pmThe comments on Reddit are about trying to identify it. Turns out it’s called a Koppie Foam Grasshopper, and as the bright red color suggests, is toxic (so don’t be eating them!).
http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/e64kp/south_african_cricket_amazing_colors_no_clue_what/
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Jack and Jill Travel says
November 17, 2010 at 11:39 pmHolly molly! That’s one gorgeous animal!
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Andrea says
November 19, 2010 at 11:59 amThat’s incredible. Never seen anything like it.
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Dave says
November 19, 2010 at 9:19 pmThanks Andrea. I don’t recall our guide mentioning it was poisonous when he picked it up so we could get a closer look!
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Speedhakoo says
December 30, 2010 at 2:27 pmDave it’s called San art. cool pic
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Speedhakoo says
December 30, 2010 at 2:29 pmwill only be poisonous if you decide to eat it.