In 2006 the Conservation International identified Guyana as the habitat for one of the 20 most unusual/rare species.
In 2006 the Conservation International identified Guyana as the habitat for one of the 20 most unusual/rare species.
The Peacock katydid (Pterochroza ocellata) is a large rainforest insect that employs two effective strategies to protect itself from predators: at a casual glance it looks just like a dead, partially damaged leaf, but if threatened is suddenly reveals a pair of bright eye spots and starts jumping excitedly, which gives the impression of a giant head of a bird suddenly pecking at the attacker.
Katydids are recognized by scientists as indicators of habitat disturbance for an ecosystem. They tend to stay within small specific habitats and do not disperse widely. They are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat, particularly fragmentation. They are also important herbivores and food source for birds, bats and primates.
The Peacock Katydid has the potential to attract ecotourism and with more training the local parabiologists will continue recognize iconic and charismatic invertebrates, which are becoming popular targets of the ecotourism industry in other parts of the world.
