Height
2.5 meters
Year Built
2000
Address
Various Perth locations
The Lowdown
The Big Sandgroper celebrates Western Australia's unique burrowing insect that has given the state's residents their distinctive nickname. Sandgropers are strange, cricket-like insects that spend their lives underground in sandy soils, emerging rarely to be seen by humans. These bizarre creatures are found almost exclusively in WA's sandy coastal plains, and their mysterious nature has captured the local imagination. West Australians proudly call themselves 'Sandgropers,' and this Big Thing honors both the unusual insect and the people who share its sandy home.
Did you know?
"Sandgropers live underground in sandy soil"
History
Sandgropers are found almost exclusively in Western Australia, leading to WA residents being nicknamed 'Sandgropers.' The Big Sandgroper celebrates this state identity and the curious insect behind it.
More Fun Facts
- •Sandgropers live underground in sandy soil
- •They're found almost exclusively in WA
- •West Australians are nicknamed 'Sandgropers'
- •They're related to crickets and grasshoppers
- •Sandgropers are rarely seen by humans
Visiting Tips
- 💡Real sandgropers are rarely seen
- 💡WA locals are proud of their 'Sandgroper' nickname
- 💡Perth's sandy soils are sandgroper habitat
- 💡The WA Museum has specimens on display
- 💡The insect inspired the state's affectionate nickname
Opening Hours
Outdoor sculpture accessible at all times.
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