Central American Locust vs Lichen-Bark Katydid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Central American Locust Lichen-Bark Katydid
Scientific Name Schistocerca piceifrons Markia hystrix
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Acrididae Tettigoniidae
Size 45-65 mm 35-50 mm
Habitat Farmland Mountains
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Central American Locust

A significant agricultural pest locust in Mexico and Central America. It periodically swarms and can devastate corn, bean, and other staple crops.

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Did You Know?

The ancient Maya recorded plagues of this locust, and it remains a recurring agricultural threat in the Yucatan Peninsula today.

Lichen-Bark Katydid

A Neotropical katydid covered in spine-like projections that mimic lichen or moss. Its body is green with textured growths blending with epiphyte-covered bark.

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Did You Know?

Its spiny body projections are so convincing that even scientists can struggle to spot it on mossy branches.