Lichen-Bark Katydid vs Homerus Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lichen-Bark Katydid Homerus Swallowtail
Scientific Name Markia hystrix Papilio homerus
Order Orthoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tettigoniidae Papilionidae
Size 35-50 mm 130-150 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Colombia, Ecuador, Peru Jamaica (Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains only)
Conservation Least Concern 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.

Homerus Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in the Americas, with a wingspan reaching 150 mm and bold black and yellow patterning. It is endemic to Jamaica and restricted to two mountain ranges.

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Did You Know?

Fewer than an estimated 500 adults exist in the wild, confined to shrinking patches of Jamaican mountain forest.