South African Graphipterus vs Katanga Squeaker
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South African Graphipterus | Katanga Squeaker |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Graphipterus serrator | Brachytrupes membranaceus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Gryllidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 35-55mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia) | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South African Graphipterus
A flattened, distinctively patterned ground beetle with white and black markings on its broad, flat elytra. It hides under stones in arid regions and is beautifully camouflaged on sandy ground.
Did You Know?
Its flat body shape and bold black-and-white pattern make it one of the most visually distinctive ground beetles in Africa, and it can wedge itself so tightly under rocks that it is nearly impossible to remove.
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.