Lichen Katydid vs Elm Zigzag Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lichen Katydid | Elm Zigzag Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dysonia sp. (Dysonia magdalenae) | Aproceros leucopoda |
| Order | Orthoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Tettigoniidae | Argidae |
| Size | 30-45 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia | East Asia, invasive in Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lichen Katydid
A Central American katydid with a mottled gray-green body that perfectly mimics lichen on bark. It is nearly invisible when pressed against a tree trunk.
Did You Know?
It feeds on the same lichen it mimics, making it both predator and impersonator of its food source.
Elm Zigzag Sawfly
A small, pale green sawfly of East Asian origin that has become invasive in Europe. Larvae create distinctive zigzag feeding patterns on elm leaves.
Did You Know?
This species reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis in its invasive range; males have never been found in Europe.