Taxonomy & Evolution

The Peacock Katydid (Binomial name; Pterochroza ocellata) is an insect in the Tettigoniidae family rank, based on the biological classification. The kingdom of the peacock katydid is animalia, phylum; Arthropoda, class; insecta, order; orthoptera, tribe; pterochrozini, and the genus; pterochroza. Peacock katydid also have a scientific name called Microcentrum rhombifolium, and other names such as Greater Wing Katydid or Leaf Katydid. The Peacock Katydids have unique wings that look like rusted or diseased leaves.This camouflage has developed over years, with the cause of natural selection and evolution. The Peacock Katydids (leaf katydid) have developed and learned to use their unique disguise to hide from predators. Wing form and function varies widely among katydids. Overall as a group the peacock katydid are poor flyers despite wingspans of 20 cm (8 inches) among some tropical residents. Many species do not fly but only flutter their wings during leaps; the others expose brightly coloured hindwings as a form of defense. Eggs are laid within or upon various living or dead plant material, depending on the species. The young are similar to adults but have less-developed wings. Katydids feed chiefly on plant matter, though several also eat other insects.