Today I am continuing my review of the 2020 Papo invertebrates with their grasshopper figure. First, we should discuss the possible identity of the species. Given the shape (especially head shape), color, and that France-based Papo likes to focus on its local fauna, I am identifying the figure as the common green grasshopper, Omocestus viridulus. I am not sure there are any figures specifically attributed to O. viridulus, but this one and the 1994 figure by Bullyland make great exemplars.
Omocestus viridulus is common throughout much of Europe east to Mongolia and Siberia. It tends to live in wet areas with tall grass. Favorite host grass species include Dactylis, Agrostis, Anthoxanthum, Lolium, and Holcus.
Total figure length is about 6.5 cm. The body length (minus appendages) is 4.5 cm for a scale of 2.6:1-1.8:1 (natural body length 1.7-2.5 cm long). The main body is green with darker green and white lateral stripes, characteristic of this species’ green morph; the joints of the appendages are highlighted lightly with brown. The wings appear to be a separate piece of translucent plastic that is attached to the main body. Overall it might have a rather simplistic appearance, but it is one of the better made grasshopper figures outside of Japan. It lacks the proportional issues of CollectA’s grasshopper.
This figure is best appreciated by people who specifically like to collect insect figures, or for those who want this species as part of a synoptic collection where scale isn’t an issue. I don’t have much more to say about it, since the pictures tell the story. If you are having thoughts about acquiring it, it does come recommended. Papo has made a bold move in recent years with arthropods; by later this year they would have released 13 arthropods (two in their Marine Life line) since 2016! We want them to know there is a market for them!
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