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Long-legged armoured katydid facts for kids

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Long-legged armoured katydid
Acanthoplus longipes 01.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Superfamily:
Family:
Genus:
Acanthoplus
Species:
A. longipes
Binomial name
Acanthoplus longipes
(Charpentier, 1845)
Synonyms

Hetrodes longipes Charpentier, 1845

The long-legged armoured katydid (Acanthoplus longipes) is a fascinating insect. It's a type of katydid, which are insects related to crickets and grasshoppers. This special katydid gets its name from its very long legs and its tough, armoured body.

Discovering the Long-legged Armoured Katydid

This unique insect was first described in 1845 by a scientist named Charpentier. It's known for its distinctive look and where it lives.

Where Does This Katydid Live?

You can find the long-legged armoured katydid in specific parts of southern Africa. It lives in Namibia, the northern area of the Northern Cape Province in South Africa, and southern Angola. Scientists also think it might live in Botswana.

Its Home in the Wild

These katydids prefer dry and semi-dry places. This includes famous deserts like the Kalahari Desert and the Namib Desert. These areas are very hot and don't get much rain, but the katydid is well-adapted to survive there.

What Does the Long-legged Armoured Katydid Eat?

Like many insects, the long-legged armoured katydid is a plant-eater. It has been seen feeding on a type of grain called teff in Africa. Teff is a small grain often used to make flour.

Is the Long-legged Armoured Katydid Safe?

Even though its home is sometimes threatened by things like habitat destruction (when its natural living space is damaged), this katydid is found in many places. Because it's widespread, it's not currently considered to be in danger of disappearing.

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