Bush-crickets & Katydids
What are they?
Often large and extravagant-looking insects, with many species being tree-dwelling and mimicking leaves in appearance. Katydids get their name from the 'true katydids', whose night time stridulations sound like "ka-ty-did", but other species make very different noises, so are better referred to as bush-crickets. In general, bush-crickets tend to live among woody plants or on taller grasses, while true crickets are largely ground-dwelling.
Identification
Some of the larger, green species can be very difficult to identify in the field, with identification relying on close attention to head shape and structure, as well as external genitalia. Most species can be readily identified by the males' stridulations (though these are most often heard at night).
Jumping Bush-cricket Orocharis saltator
A pale, tan-colored species with dark speckling on the wings. Common but not often seen except when they come to light during the night.
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Lesser Angle-wing Microcentrum retinerve
A common, tree-dwelling species that is most often seen when attracted to outdoor lights. Best told from Greater Angle-wing by the straight front edge to the pronotum, just behind the head.
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Common True Katydid Pterophylla camellifolia
A common, tree-dwelling species that prefers mature oak woodland, so becomes less common southward, where mature forest has been depleted. Mature insects spend their lives high in large trees so are far more often heard than seen. The three-note "ka-ty-did" stridulation, like rubbing sandpaper on wood, is a very common sound during the summer months. Similar to the angle-wings in appearance, but the wings are more rounded in outline.
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Handsome Meadow Katydid Orchelimum pulchellum
A highly colorful bush-cricket found in damp grassland and the edges of wetland areas. Note the bluish color to the eyes.
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