Fauna
Invertebrates
Leichhardt's Grasshopper
Despite the fact that Kakadu supports more than 10 000 types of insect, these creatures are often overlooked by visitors. Among the insect groups are grasshoppers, beetles, flies, termites, butterflies and moths, bees, wasps, ants, dragonflies and damsel flies, caddis flies, non-biting midges and mayflies. The great variety of insects is a result of the varied habitats and relatively high temperatures throughout the year.
Perhaps the most striking insect-created features in the Park are the termite mounds. The huge mounds in the southern part of the Park are storehouses of harvested grass.
Leichhardt's grasshopper, in colours of orange, blue and black, is perhaps the most spectacular insect found in Kakadu. It is also found on the Arnhem Land plateau and in Gregory National Park.
Common or notable insect species
- Leichhardt's grasshopper Petasida ephippigera Al-yurr
- Green ant Oecophylla smaragdina Gabo
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