Katanga Squeaker vs Giant Leaf Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Katanga Squeaker Giant Leaf Insect
Scientific Name Brachytrupes membranaceus Phyllium giganteum
Order Orthoptera Phasmatodea
Family Gryllidae Phylliidae
Size 35-55mm 95-110 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Africa Asia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Katanga Squeaker

A very large burrowing cricket with a broad head and powerful jaws. It digs deep vertical burrows up to 50cm deep. Males call loudly from their burrow entrances at dusk.

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Did You Know?

It pulls leaves down into its burrow to eat and plugs the entrance with a ball of soil during the day.

Giant Leaf Insect

One of the largest leaf insects in the world, with a spectacularly flattened body that perfectly mimics a green leaf complete with veins, spots, and irregular edges.

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Did You Know?

Leaf insects sway gently when walking to mimic a leaf blowing in the breeze, and even their eggs are shaped and colored to look like plant seeds.