Not Lepidoptera - Aliens

[Dave]

What in the name of all that's holy is this?

Durlston CP, Dorset

[eccles]

It's a dark bush cricket male.

[Denise]

That gave me the best laugh that i've had in days Dave.
I agree with Mike, Dark Bush Cricket. They do look alien like tho, especially if seeing them for the first time.

Denise

[Lee Hurrell]

I'll be locking my windows tonight, that's for sure

[Mikhail]

It's a female. The ovipositor is hidden by a blade of grass.

Misha

[eccles]

It's possible Misha but I still think it's a male. Do you have any more pics Dave?

[geniculata]

id agree with misha,

100% female on colouration and markings alone, let alone the fact that you can see the base of the ovipositor.

gary.

[Mikhail]

Another thing that proves it's female is the fact that the wings are reduced to tiny flaps. In the male they are developed into the stridulatory apparatus, as in this 1974 slide.

Misha

[eccles]

Well that told me, didn't it?

[Dave]

Hi - No more photos I'm afraid, it pulled a knife and nicked my camera

[eccles]

Bad cheese old chap. That's not cricket, what?