Aganacris

Aganacris is a genus of leaf katydids in the tribe Scudderiini. They are known for mimicking wasps of the families Pompilidae and Sphecidae and typically have orange/black coloration. Hymenopteran models for Batesian mimicry vary across sex and developmental stages.

== Anatomy & morphology == Aganacris are typically black and shiny with orange or yellow highlights. They typically average between 29 and 37 mm long. Some have colorful spots on their legs and antennae. This coloration contributes to Batesian mimicry of wasps which repels visual predators and facilitates a diurnal period of foraging activity (rare in most Phanaeopterins). There is strong sexual dimorphism: Nickle et al., 2012 suggests that due to the larger size of females and the presence of protruding ovipositors, females face selective pressure to mimic different wasps than males. Juveniles mimic ants or velvet ants.