Leaf mimicking katydid Threat display dorsal (Pterochroza ocellata)
Thanks artour_a for the ID.
This pseudophyllinae has a trick up its skirt. When startled or threatened it will open its wings to reveal bright, vibrant colours which indicate aposematism or potential toxicity to would be predators. Furthermore, large eyespots on either wing mimic avian eyes which would give most predators pause. Finally, the wings stay open long enough for the perceived threat to accustom itself, at which point the katydid will promptly close its wings, returning to full camouflage mode, leaving the predator still searching for the bright colours which are now folded out of view.
Found during a day hike at the Kurupukari crossing, Guyana.
Yesterday the tire flew off my minibus, I cut the head off a pit viper and I was banned from a commercial flight by associating with a narco-trafficker. Today I am bushwhacking through the jungle in the remote trail-less backwaters of Guyana, waist deep in water and praying to make it through the rest of the day alive. What will tomorrow bring? God only knows. The adventure starts here- pbertner.wordpress.com/.
Leaf mimicking katydid Threat display dorsal (Pterochroza ocellata)
Thanks artour_a for the ID.
This pseudophyllinae has a trick up its skirt. When startled or threatened it will open its wings to reveal bright, vibrant colours which indicate aposematism or potential toxicity to would be predators. Furthermore, large eyespots on either wing mimic avian eyes which would give most predators pause. Finally, the wings stay open long enough for the perceived threat to accustom itself, at which point the katydid will promptly close its wings, returning to full camouflage mode, leaving the predator still searching for the bright colours which are now folded out of view.
Found during a day hike at the Kurupukari crossing, Guyana.
Yesterday the tire flew off my minibus, I cut the head off a pit viper and I was banned from a commercial flight by associating with a narco-trafficker. Today I am bushwhacking through the jungle in the remote trail-less backwaters of Guyana, waist deep in water and praying to make it through the rest of the day alive. What will tomorrow bring? God only knows. The adventure starts here- pbertner.wordpress.com/.