Variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus

This brilliantly patterned grasshopper goes by two equally fitting names: painted grasshopper or variegated grasshopper—both referencing its striking multi-colored appearance. Native to tropical Africa, it's become a notable crop pest across Western and Central Africa. Despite flashy looks that might suggest vulnerability to predators, this insect has successfully established itself as one of the region's significant agricultural problems. Its ability to thrive in cultivated areas suggests it's adaptable and robust—qualities that have served it exceptionally well in its native continent.