Lichen Katydid vs Katanga Squeaker
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lichen Katydid | Katanga Squeaker |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dysonia sp. (Dysonia magdalenae) | Brachytrupes membranaceus |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Tettigoniidae | Gryllidae |
| Size | 30-45 mm | 35-55mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia | Africa |
| 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.
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.