Mystery Bug with Tiny Wings!
Tue, May 5, 2009 at 1:27 PM
I’ve been meaning to write this letter for a long time! I have to apologize, because I’m sure this bug is “out of season” (?) right now. We found this little guy climbing on one of our baby willow trees on August 19, 2008. He looks to me like a kind of grasshopper, but I bet you’ll tell me I’m wrong! I was slightly perplexed by his tiny wings in proportion to his large body, which was a little smaller than my thumb (around 1.5-2 inches maybe?). I apologize for not grabbing a ruler or something… I’m kind of embarassed to say I was concentrating on being artistic, haha. If you could give me any insight into who this little guy is, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much!
Sincerely, Jess K.
Northeast Ohio
Dear Jess,
This is a Katydid and it is immature as indicated by its still developing wings. We are relatively certain it is a Greater Angle-Wing Katydid, Microcentrum rhombifolium , as evidenced by an image posted to BugGuide. We will be traveling to Youngstown in about a month to visit family.
Wow, I never would have guessed a katydid… but I guess I’ve never really seen one until then, either, haha. Thanks for your help, and best wishes for your safe travels to Ohio!