Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Huanchaca Plateau

I was hoping for a thunderstorm, as the dark and fast approaching clouds looked promising!

Unfortunately for me, there was no thunderstorm – only strong wind and a brief shower. Typical of this time of year, before the wet season has really kicked in.

It was as the rain was pouring down I startled what might possibly be the largest grasshopper I’ve ever seen. It had the most striking blue wings and flew for a short distance, and I was confident I would find it due to it’s striking color and a known landing site. But alas – the grasshopper was nowhere to be seen. Incredible for such a huge grasshopper to trick me in such an open landscape!