Cape Mountain Katydid vs Alpine Soldierfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cape Mountain Katydid | Alpine Soldierfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudosaga incerta | Oxycera morrisii |
| Order | Orthoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tettigoniidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 40-60mm | 5-7 mm body length |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Africa | British Isles, Alps, Northern Europe |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Cape Mountain Katydid
A large predatory katydid with bold orange and blue-green warning colors. Found only on high mountain peaks in the Cape region. It is wingless and relies on chemical defenses.
Did You Know?
When threatened it curls up to display its bright warning colors and can secrete a noxious chemical from its body.
Alpine Soldierfly
A small, brightly patterned soldierfly found near mountain springs and seepages. Its larvae develop in calcareous spring water at high elevations.
Did You Know?
Its larvae encrust themselves with calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich spring water.