#katydids

The katydids of this genus (Anaphidna) can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America. They have cryptic features that mimic the mossy, lichen-covered environments in which they live -- their bodies are covered in green, brown, and white markings that are accented by bumpy, moss-like features, and their long, slender wings are usually held upward at a 45-degree angle in order to mimic the shape of a twig.

As this article notes:

These katydids fly well and probably live in the canopy, perhaps on trunks and mossy branches, where the camouflage should be particularly effective.

The moss-and-lichen mimic katydids of the group treated here are easily recognized by their long and slender wings held upward at an almost 45-degree angle. They live in rainforests of central and northern South America, with one species ranging southward to subtropical forest in NE Argentina.

Sources & More Info:

Journal of Orthoptera Research: The Group Paraphidniae, with Three New Species from Guatemala and Ecuador

iNaturalist: Genus Anaphidna

Zoosystematica Rossica: Review of the Neotropical Genus Paraphidnia

Handsome male Rhinoceros Katydid (Copiphora rhinoceros) nymph! 💚

I squealed when I found him—such a cutie! These guys were high on my list of “must-see” species on my recent trip to Costa Rica. 🌿

📍Valle Escondido nature reserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica

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Did you know that the Nsenene (Ruspolia differens) is a species of katydid in southern Africa? Among the Baganda (largest Bantu ethnic group), these katydids are seen as a cultural delicacy and are often given to (potential) male partners as an act of courtship. Outside of Uganda, they are fried and eaten not only as snacks but also as a sign of wisdom, nutrition, and hospitality.

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There are multiple species with approximately that common name, so I've grabbed one of them.

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Protean shieldback katydid

Silky field ant

Typical water strider (tribe Gerrini)

Dance fly (subfamily Empidinae)

Splendid palpita moth

Combfooted spider that looks like a McNugget crumb (unidentified)

Bronze jumping spider