Mother nature never ceases to amaze us and yet there is simply so much that remains to be discovered out there in the world. While most animals have been studied extensively, many bugs and insects have yet to be comprehensively observed in the wild. One such type of bug is the rare and elusive Mountain Katydid (Acripeza reticulata).
Found predominantly in the southeastern corridors of Australia, Mountain Katydids, which are also known as Mountain Grasshoppers, are one insect that you wouldn’t mind coming face to face with in the wild. They are incredibly easy to miss, and are even harder to spot when you’re specifically looking for one, because of their natural built in camouflage. The exterior part of their bodies is a dull brown or black color and this, combined with the grainy texture, makes them resemble what looks like a piece of bark or a dead leaf on the ground.
However, we all know that looks can be deceiving and the Mountain Katydids of Australia are not as inconspicuous as they initially appear to be. As you can see in the accompanying video, when they are touched even in the slightest manner they transform into bright, colorful little bugs that you don’t want to mess with!
The sudden change is caused by their wing casings parting to show off the funky colored lines of bold red, black, and bright blue dotted bands underneath. It’s an impressive sight and in the wild bright, flashy, electric colors often signify to predators that the creature they plan on hunting and eating is potentially toxic, poisonous, and/or nasty tasting. As for Katydids, they aren’t poisonous, but they are absolutely revolting and taste terrible since they’re chock full of noxious chemicals.
The fact that the insects flash their colors after being touched is definitely unique to them because such displays are always done in advance of any possible attack as a warning threat to others to stay away. Scientists have studied their behavior and yet still remain puzzled as to why the bugs only display once they’ve been touched, which in the wild would mean something tried to eat them! Seems like too little too late but perhaps there’s more to it that humans just can’t understand. Either way, be sure to check out the video and see how cool the Mountain Katydid truly looks!
Please SHARE This With Family and Friends
