A light green, dark green, and white katydid with patterned wings and long antennae standing on wooden beam. This species' markings make it almost invisible against the lichen that typically covers tree trunks in its Ecuadorian forest habitat.

A light green, dark green, and white katydid with patterned wings and long antennae resting conspicuously on mossy tree trunk. This species' markings make it almost invisible against the lichen that typically covers tree trunks in its Ecuadorian forest habitat.

“I’m #lichen this #mimic!” This #Markia sp. #Katydid is a classic example of #insect #mimicry; it is #camouflaged as the lichen that’s abundant in its forest habitat. Finding one away from a lichen background @ a light trap was the only way I spotted this beauty. #Tettigoniidae #WildSumacoLodge

A light-green lichen-mimicking katydid resting on a tree branch. This insect has short spines on its legs and a net-like color pattern on the body and wings that resembles lichen. Species name is perhaps Markia histerix. Photographed at night near an insect light trap at Wild Sumaco Lodge in Ecuador.

Bucket list alert!
This is a #Markia sp., a #lichen-mimicking #katydid. These are often presented to illustrate #crypsis. I've always wanted to see one in real life. It came to a light trap at #WildSumacoLodge in #Ecuador, after I calmed down, it tolerated my attention for many minutes. Awesome!