Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective

Macroxiphus

Genus of orthopterans whose immature stage mimics ants From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Macroxiphus
Remove ads

Macroxiphus[1] is a small genus of bush crickets or katydids distributed in Southeast Asia and Micronesia. The nymphs (immature stages) of the insects mimic ants.

Quick Facts Scientific classification, Synonyms ...
Remove ads

Species

Species include:[2]

  • Macroxiphus nasicornis Pictet, 1888 - type species
  • Macroxiphus sumatranus (Haan, 1843)

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.[3]

Remove ads

References

Loading related searches...

Wikiwand - on

Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.

Remove ads