Gum Leaf Katydid

Description:

Adult Gum Leaf Katydids resemble gum leaves, both in shape and colour. Some adults may have brown markings on their legs. Their front wings look exactly like a gum leaf, with a thick white vein through the middle. The elder nymph looks similar to adult except wingless and has brown patterns on its body and legs. The brown patterns resemble the brown spots on gum leaves. The young nymphs look quite different from the adults, having the appearance of large brown ants. Their brown colour gradually disappears as they grow. Their rear pair of legs are longer and stronger than the front and mid pair, but are thinner than the hind legs of grasshoppers. They are seldom seen jumping instead, they kick with their spiny hind legs if disturbed. All their legs are armed with spins.

Habitat:

The Gum Leaf Katydid lives in forests and woodlands and heaths and is often found on eucalypt and angophora trees where it is well camouflaged.