Lichen-Bark Katydid vs Cromwell Chafer Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lichen-Bark Katydid Cromwell Chafer Beetle
Scientific Name Markia hystrix Prodontria lewisii
Order Orthoptera Coleoptera
Family Tettigoniidae Scarabaeidae
Size 35-50 mm 1-1.5 cm
Habitat Mountains Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Colombia, Ecuador, Peru New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

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.

Cromwell Chafer Beetle

A small chafer beetle endemic to a tiny area near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. Adults are nocturnal and feed on native grasses.

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Did You Know?

Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.