Neotropical Rove Beetle vs Spiny Leaf Katydid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Rove Beetle Spiny Leaf Katydid
Scientific Name Xanthopygus cognatus Panacanthus cuspidatus
Order Coleoptera Orthoptera
Family Staphylinidae Tettigoniidae
Size 12-18 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Woodlands Mountains
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Central and South America, Brazil to Mexico Ecuador, Colombia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Neotropical Rove Beetle

A large, strikingly colored rove beetle with a bright orange pronotum contrasting with black elytra and head. It is one of the most conspicuous staphylinids in the Neotropical region.

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Did You Know?

The bright orange and black coloration of this beetle is thought to be aposematic, warning predators of its unpalatable defensive secretions.

Spiny Leaf Katydid

A brightly colored Ecuadorian katydid covered in sharp spines for defense. Its green body with orange and black spines makes it conspicuous as a warning.

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Did You Know?

It can squirt a foul-smelling defensive spray from glands on its thorax when grabbed.