Great Green Bush-cricket

For such a very large insect, over 4cm long and with a penetrating and repetitive song, the Great Green Bush-cricket is remarkably hard to see, thanks to its excellent camouflage. Today we were surveying a site next to the east coast railway line, where there is a thriving population of these magnificent creatures. They're pretty scarce in eastern England, favouring coastal habitats in south and west Britain, but at this time of year their song can be heard from areas of low scrub and thistly patches along the rail corridor from Huntingdon to Peterborough. At one time this was the most northerly population in the UK, but like many insects, this species has responded to climate change, and can now be found as far north as Barnsley. If you find one it's best to leave it be, as it's powerful jaws can give a very painful bite.