Lichen-Bark Katydid vs Chrysomelid Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lichen-Bark Katydid Chrysomelid Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Markia hystrix Chrysolina staphylaea
Order Orthoptera Coleoptera
Family Tettigoniidae Chrysomelidae
Size 35-50 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Mountains Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Colombia, Ecuador, Peru Western Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Chrysomelid Leaf Beetle

A small, strongly convex beetle with dark reddish-brown to almost black coloration and a smooth, shiny surface. It is one of the commonest Chrysolina species in Western Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first beetles to become active in late winter, sometimes emerging in February when temperatures are still quite cold.