Subject: What bug is it?
Location: Valera,Tx
July 27, 2013 8:09 am
Hi, a friend of mine found this insect at her house in central Texas. We think it is a katydid. What do you think?
Signature: Curious
Red Eyed Devil
Dear Curious,
You are correct that this is a Katydid. It is a Greater Arid-Land Katydid, Neobarrettia spinosa, also commonly called a Red Eyed Devil. While most Katydids are docile plant eaters, the Red Eyed Devil is described on BugGuide as being “Voraciously omnivorous!” as it is also a predatory species. These Food Chain images from our own archive can attest to that. BugGuide also notes: “When approached, may rear up in a formidable display. If handled carelessly, may bite and draw blood.” The spike at the end of the abdomen is the ovipositor, indicating that this is a female.
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