Giant Grasshoppers Spotted in Van Highlands Turn Out to Be Farmer-Friendly

September 13, 2026 · NTV Ekonomi

Giant grasshoppers observed in Van's Erciş district, which initially caused concern, have been identified not as agricultural pests, but as carnivorous predators that feed on harmful insects.

Following the Marmara Region, the appearance of giant grasshoppers reaching up to 15 centimeters in length in the Zilan Highlands of Van's Erciş district has alarmed regional producers. Murat Poyrazoğlu, who conducts beekeeping activities in the region, conveyed the producers' concerns with the following words:

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan, a faculty member at Hakkari University's Biodiversity Application and Research Center, stated that these creatures are carnivorous, following reports and shared recordings from the region. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan made the following statements regarding the issue:

Touching upon the grasshoppers' position in the literature, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan addressed the public. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan, a faculty member at Hakkari University's Biodiversity Application and Research Center, made a call for conservation, stating:

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan shared the following information regarding the species' taxonomic history:

Noting that the producers' fears of crop loss are unfounded, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan made the following appeal to producers:

Pointing to the importance of biological classification, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan continued his assessment:

Providing details about the species' physical dimensions, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Taylan concluded with the following warnings:

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