Rainforest critters are masters of disguise. The world’s oldest rainforest is sure to exhibit a greater range of success stories, than other, younger forests.
Katydids are families of insects where camouflage and mimicry avoids detection, yet the beauty of these insects and the near-perfection of the camouflage is incredible. Approximately 6,400 species of Katydids within the family Tettigoniidae, also known as bush crickets, have been identified. The Spiny-legged rainforest katydid, Phricta spinosa, is extremely-well hidden among the prickles of a wait-a-while, yet the pattern on its shield is complex and fascinating to behold. Secretive, obscure, cryptic, camouflaged, mimicking are terms that describe strategies for rainforest deception.
A variety of leaf katydids can remain hidden from view, yet will be right in front of our noses, resembling a leaf. The Leaf-mimicking katydid Acauloplacella queenslandica is right at home on the type of leaf that it resembles. Dry leaves on the ground are suitable media for dead leaf katydids, that avoid detection from marauding ground predators.
Fascinating spiny stick insects, Macleays spectre Exatosoma tiaratum are so well-hidden through their colouration and the complex spines and flanges that they defy casual observation.
