Macroxiphus
| Macroxiphus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Macroxiphus sp. mimicking an ant | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Orthoptera |
| Family: | Tettigoniidae |
| Genus: | Macroxiphus Pictet, 1888 |
Macroxiphus is a genus of Tettigoniidae, distributed in South-East Asia and Micronesia. The larval stages of the insects mimic ants.
Camouflage and mimicry
Young instars of Macroxiphus, such as M. sumatranus, have an "uncanny resemblance" to ants, extending to their black coloration, remarkably perfect antlike shape, and convincingly antlike behaviour. Their long antennae are camouflaged to appear short, being black only at the base, and they are vibrated like ant antennae. Larger instars suddenly change into typical-looking katydids, and are entirely nocturnal, while the adult has bright warning coloration.[1]
References
- ↑ Gwynne, Darryl T. (2001). Katydids and Bush-crickets: Reproductive Behavior and Evolution of the Tettigoniidae. Cornell University Press. p. 80. ISBN 0-8014-3655-9.
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