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!