Spanish Fly vs Peacock Katydid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spanish Fly | Peacock Katydid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lytta vesicatoria | Pterochroza ocellata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Tettigoniidae |
| Size | 10-22mm | 50-70 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Amazon Basin, Guianas, Peru |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.
Peacock Katydid
A large katydid that mimics dead leaves at rest but reveals huge eyespots on its hind wings when threatened. The eyespot display startles predators.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it flashes vivid eyespots on its hindwings that resemble the stare of a large predator.