A few years ago, I discovered my first leaf katydid (Eurycorypha sp.) among my veranda pot plants. I was amazed by its ability to perfectly mimic a green leaf in shape, form, pattern and even texture. Only a few days later, a beautifully decorated Acacia katydid (Terpnistria zebrata) came flying in from nearby sweet thorn trees in which they specialise to live in plain sight of predators.
I soon discovered that these two insects were members of a global family of thousands of katydid species found on all continents except Antarctica. Some are as small as a pinkie nail while others are as large as a human hand. All are known for their exceptional camouflaging abilities and by the common name, katydid, derived from North American species that rub their wings together to produce the unmistakeable sound: ka-ty-did.
EVOLUTIONARY CAMOUFLAGE
Because most species of katydids are nocturnal, they are vulnerable to predation during the day and have, therefore, evolved camouflaging strategies to counter this vulnerability. This survival strategy has had obvious evolutionary rewards as it has allowed them to avoid wholesale predation and ensure genetic continuation.
Denne historien er fra 1 March 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra 1 March 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.
Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.
Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results
Optimising cherry production and quality
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.
