Macroxiphus

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Macroxiphus
Macroxiphus sp cricket.jpg
Macroxiphus sp. mimicking an ant
Scientific classification
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Macroxiphus

Pictet, 1888

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Macroxiphus is a genus of Tettigoniidae, distributed in South-East Asia and Micronesia. The larval stages of the insects mimic ants.

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.[1]

References

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