Subject: Is this a grasshopper? Katydid? Hybrid? Help!
Geographic location of the bug: Boynton Beach, Florida
Date: 06/10/2018
Time: 07:25 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hello! I have a lovely bug who lives in my little patio lime tree, and I cannot figure out what it is! It is currently in the process of growing wings, but it had a very broad, flat back with what looks like a plate of armour. Please help!
How you want your letter signed: Cheers, Jenna
Dear Jenna,
Based on this BugGuide image, we believe this is a Giant Katydid nymph, Stilpnochlora couloniana. According to BugGuide: “Largest katydid in U.S, over 65 mm long.” The Singing Insects of North America, a site credited to the University of Florida Entomology Department, has nice images of the life cycle of the Giant Katydid. Keeping Insects has a nice article on the Giant Katydid.
Hi Daniel!!
Thanks so much for getting back to me! I just looked at the links you sent and I believe you are correct, those look exactly like it! And oh my gosh I didn’t know giant katydids were an actual thing, they are HUGE!!!
Thanks again 🙂