Rainforest Katydid Hide-and-Seek

Hello!

Many greetings from the rainforest in Western Kenya. As an entomologist in search of bugs, one quickly learns that many different kinds of insects are experts at hiding. They are masters of camouflage, and can make themselves ‘invisible’ even in broad daylight by blending in with their surroundings. Here is an example of a remarkable ‘con-artist’ that I came across while strolling through the Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya…

One of the reasons that insects need to hide because many of them would make a quick and tasty snack for the many different kinds of insect-eating birds in the rainforest.

Here is a scene from one of paths in the southern part of the forest. Can you spot the hidden insect?

Yes, there is an insect hidden in this picture!

OK – I agree that it’s hard to see, here is a closer look..

Now can you see the insect?

Hmmm – let’s try and look even closer (you’re looking for a leaf-like katydid)…

Hint: lower middle to the right...

And zooming in even closer allows for the true beauty of this leaf-like katydid to be fully revealed:

"I'm just another bit of leaf, nothing to see here... please move on"

Remaining hidden is not just about shape and color. This katydid is an expert at staying still, and by holding close and pressing against the surface of the leaf, it helps eliminate shadows and reduces its outline. This all combines to create a near-perfect illusion and a beautiful example of camouflage.

More from the wonderful world of bugs soon!