Friday 1 November 2013

Lichen Katydid

Image: Andreas Kay
Markia hystrix
Spikes 'n' stripes!

I can find almost no information about this beautiful beastie. Luckily, that doesn't stop you giving your eyes a tasty feast!

Image: Andreas Kay
One thing I do know is that they're found in South American cloud forests, like Mount Totumas in Panama and Los Cedros in Equador.

Image: Andreas Kay
Also, they look AMAZING! The spikes and intricate colours give them a certain villainous regality. I guess the long, wiry antennae are for comic relief.


Video: ecothon
Compare the lichen on the left to the wings!

The Lichen Katydid is all about the camouflage. Their wings are painted in the branching patterns of beard lichens and their slow, deliberate movement ensures they go unseen.

Image: Andreas Kay
And you just have to love that grumpy, googly-eyed face!


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Thanks to Dimitri for introducing me to this one!

2 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

a beastie feastie indeed! very cool!

Joseph JG said...

"Beastie feastie" needs to be used much more often!