PREVIEW

Keepers at London Zoo have captured a charming moment as a baby Giant hooded katydid, fresh from its egg, was spotted grooming itself — a crucial ritual to keep its fragile exoskeleton pristine.

The minuscule hatchling, currently just a few millimetres long, is expected to grow into a leafy-looking giant, blending perfectly into the lush foliage of the Zoo’s rainforest habitat.

Native to Southeast Asia, these extraordinary insects — part of the bush cricket family — are so convincing in their camouflage that they’re often mistaken for leaves. But don’t be fooled: fully grown, they can reach a whopping 13 centimetres in length and tip the scales at more than 30 grams.

Known scientifically as *Siliquofera grandis*, the Giant hooded katydid is among the largest in its family, which includes grasshoppers and crickets. And while they may look like something out of a fantasy film, these gentle giants are an important part of the rainforest ecosystem.