Katanga Squeaker vs Spiny Leaf Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Katanga Squeaker | Spiny Leaf Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachytrupes membranaceus | Phyllium westwoodii |
| Order | Orthoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Gryllidae | Phylliidae |
| Size | 35-55mm | 70-100mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Africa | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
It pulls leaves down into its burrow to eat and plugs the entrance with a ball of soil during the day.
Spiny Leaf Insect
A large leaf insect with a bright green flat body edged with small teeth-like spines. The female body is virtually identical to a broad green leaf. Males are smaller with functional wings for flight.
Did You Know?
Females lay eggs that look exactly like plant seeds, and the eggs can take up to 6 months to hatch.