Giant grasshoppers spotted in Van's Zilan Yaylaları

Large grasshoppers, measuring between 12 and 15 centimeters in length, have been spotted in the Zilan Yaylaları region near Erciş, Van. Local residents and beekeepers expressed concern after encountering the insects, which can reach lengths of nearly 20 centimeters when including the female ovipositor.

Professor Mehmet Sait Taylan from the Hakkari University Biodiversity Application and Research Center identified the insects as belonging to the 'Saga' genus within the Orthoptera order. He noted that these are predatory and carnivorous species. Rather than being a threat to agriculture, Taylan stated they can be considered 'friends of farmers' because they feed on harmful insects in agricultural areas, helping to maintain the natural predator-prey balance.