Habitat: South Africa
Status: No Conservation Concerns
This devilishly handsome insect is the Common Milkweed Locust (Phymateus morbillosus) and it reaches lengths of 60-72 mm. As there name suggests, these large locusts prefer to feed on the milkweed plant Asclepias fruticosus.

Its vivid coloration serves as a warning sign to all predators that it’s not going to make a tasty lunch. Feeding on the milkweed plant allows it to absorb toxins into its body that can be poisonous to other hungry creatures.

While it may not be the most appetizing of snacks, it sure is a beautiful thing!