Katydids are fascinating insects belonging to the order Orthoptera, closely related to crickets and grasshoppers. There are approximately 6,400 species of katydids found worldwide, known for their distinct long antennae and vertically positioned wings that resemble leaves source. These insects can be found in various habitats, including forests, parks, and yards.
Known for their leaf-like appearance, katydids are typically green in color, although some species may exhibit pink, yellow, orange, or tan hues. Their unique physical adaptations help them to camouflage effectively among foliage in the wild source. Katydids are also known for their intriguing acoustic communication, as males produce mating calls to attract females using specialized structures called stridulatory organs.
In this article, we will delve into the world of katydids, exploring their diverse morphology, intriguing behavior, and the various species found across the globe. Whether you are new to the subject or an avid entomologist, this guide will provide valuable information and insights into these captivating creatures.
What Are Katydids
Insect Classification
Katydids are insects belonging to the family Tettigoniidae. They are close relatives of grasshoppers and crickets, found in various parts of North America1.
Physical Characteristics
- Long antennae: Katydids have thin antennae that are as long or longer than their body2. Their antennae are covered with sensory receptors that help them navigate in the dark, as they are primarily nocturnal creatures2.
- Varied size: Depending on the species, katydids can range from ½ to 4 inches long2.
- Color: They can be green, pink, yellow, orange, or tan3. The green wings of the common true katydid, for instance, look almost exactly like leaves4.
- Legs: Katydids’ hind legs are often very long3. The black-legged meadow katydid is a colorful species with distinctive black and yellow legs5.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Katydid | Grasshopper | Cricket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antennae Length | Long2 | Short | Long |
| Active Time | Nocturnal2 | Diurnal | Nocturnal |
| Body Size | ½ to 4 inches2 | Varies | Smaller |
In summary, katydids are fascinating nocturnal insects with long antennae, varied sizes, and colors, and are close relatives to grasshoppers and crickets1. Their unique physical characteristics help them adapt to their environment and distinguish them from their relatives.
Katydid Behavior and Habitat
Camouflage and Protection
Katydids are known for their green color, which helps them blend in with foliage. Their wings resemble leaves, providing excellent camouflage in their natural environment.
- Green color: Mimics the appearance of leaves.
- Leaf-like wings: Adds to the effectiveness of their camouflage.
Diet
Katydids mainly feed on plants, consuming leaves and stems, as well as fruit. Certain species may also prey on other insects for food.
- Plant-based diet: Leaves, stems, and fruit are consumed.
- Occasional carnivore: Some species eat other insects.
Nocturnal Activities
These insects are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Their long antennae help them navigate in the dark and locate food and mates.
- Active mainly at night: Adapted for nocturnal activities.
- Long antennae: Aid in navigation and communication.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of katydids involves a series of developmental stages, starting with eggs laid by the female and transitioning through several nymph stages before reaching adulthood. The process typically occurs during the warmer months of summer and fall, as temperature is an important factor for development.
- Eggs: Laid on plants, often in protected areas.
- Nymph stages: Juveniles undergo multiple molts, gradually resembling adults.
- Season: Development occurs during summer and fall, driven by warmer temperatures.
| Stage | Appearance | Timing | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Small, protected on plants | Spring or early summer | Leaves or stems of plants |
| Nymph | Smaller, wingless version of adults | Summer and fall | Same as adults, on plants |
| Adult | Green, leaf-like wings | Late summer to fall | Trees, shrubs, and grassy areas |
Pros and Cons of being a Katydid
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Camouflage | Limited diet |
| Nocturnal | Vulnerable during daytime |
| Long antennae | Temperature dependent life cycle |
Katydid Natural Predators
Bats and birds are two of the main predators of katydids. Bats hunt by echolocation and feed on katydids that fly at night. Birds, like flycatchers and tanagers, catch katydids during the day.
Spiders also prey on katydids, using their webs to capture them. Some examples of spider predators include orb-weaver spiders and jumping spiders.
Rodents such as rats and mice will eat katydids when they are available. They tend to search for insects on the ground or in vegetation.
Beyond these main predators, katydids also face threats from various other animals, like frogs, lizards, and larger insects. However, katydids are known for their camouflage abilities, which helps them avoid detection.
Here are some features of katydid predators:
- Bats use echolocation to locate flying katydids at night
- Birds visually hunt for katydids during the day
- Spiders capture katydids in their webs
- Rodents forage on the ground or in vegetation for insects like katydids
Katydid as Pests and Garden Dwellers
Katydids are insects belonging to the order Orthoptera and are related to grasshoppers and crickets. These creatures are excellent at camouflage, often resembling leaves or other plant parts, making it hard to detect their presence in gardens 1.
Common Garden Plants They Consume
Katydids are known to consume a variety of plants, including some common garden flora. Here are a few examples of plants they may eat:
- Hazel
- Oak
- Bramble
- Chrysanthemums
- Apples
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Eucalyptus
- Angophora
- Bursaria
- Acacia
- Flax Lilies
- Citrus trees
It’s important to keep an eye on these plants for signs of damage from katydids.
Natural Deterrents
While katydids can be considered pests, there are natural ways to deter them from your garden without causing harm:
- Lavender: Planting lavender around your garden can dissuade katydids from settling in the area.
- Garlic: In addition to their culinary uses, garlic plants can help repel katydids and other insects.
Moreover, attracting beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and praying mantises, can help keep katydids under control by keeping their populations in check.
Keeping Katydids as Pets
Housing Requirements
- Size: Katydids are generally small insects, with some species measuring between ½ to 4 inches long. A small to medium-sized terrarium should suffice.
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 70-80°F for your katydid’s comfort.
- Foliage: Add plants, branches, and leaf litter to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots.
Feeding and Care
- Diet: Katydids primarily feed on leaves, fruits and flowers. They might also consume insects occasionally.
- Water: Provide a shallow dish with fresh water or mist the enclosure daily to maintain humidity.
Potential Dangers
Katydids are relatively harmless pets, but there are some risks to consider:
- Escape: Due to their size and ability to camouflage, they may be difficult to find if they escape from their enclosure.
- Bites: While not poisonous, larger species of katydids may be able to bite, causing minor discomfort.
- Lifespan: Keep in mind, these insects generally have a short lifespan of 1-2 years.
Being aware of these factors will allow you to better care for your pet katydid and ensure a positive experience.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Chinese Symbolism
In Chinese culture, the katydid represents good fortune and growth. The gentle insect is believed to be an auspicious symbol for success and happiness. Its ability to deter smaller insects without causing harm demonstrates a level of courage and resilience, which are qualities people admire.
Biblical Themes
Katydids are mentioned in the Bible as a part of the great diversity of God’s creation. Although their spiritual meaning in the text is subjective, some individuals associate katydids with peace, harmony, and a connection with nature.
Good Luck and Fortune
Some cultures associate katydids with good luck, success, and change, believing their presence to be a sign of blessings.
| Culture | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Chinese | Good fortune, growth, success, happiness |
| North American | Luck, positive change |
| Amazon Rainforest | Spiritual connection, harmony |
- Characteristics of katydids:
- Gentle insects
- Do not bite
- Deter smaller insects
The cultural and spiritual significance of katydids across different regions, such as North America, the Amazon Rainforest, and Chinese culture, highlights the diversity of the insect’s impact on human lives. Overall, they represent positive, uplifting themes that inspire personal growth, good fortune, and a connection with nature.
Footnotes
.
 |
 |
| Tailless Whipscorpion | Immature Katydid |
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66 Comments. Leave new
This is indeed Pterophylla camellifolia, but this individual is a male, not a female. The long element at the end of the abdomen is the subgenital plate. Notice also the brown area at the base of the wings, a part of the stridulatory (sound producing) apparatus.
The exact name of the Bradyporidae is Enyaliopsis petersi.
This is a Armoured Ground Cricket (bradyporidae). I think Acanthoplus discoidalis.
Greetings
Chris – Ucksmucks
Enyaliopsis petersi is in the subfamily Hetrodinae of the Tettigoniidae. The family Bradyporidae doesn’t occur in Southern Africa. There is a mistake in Picker et al.’s Field Guide to Insects of Southern Africa but the correct information can be found in the Orthoptera Species File Online http://www.tettigonia.com.
Here is an article about Pink Katydids: http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/agcomm/newscolumns/archives/OSL/2009/September/090924OSL.html
Was the work on that group stopped for some reason? Thanks for Identifying sir.
Hi Neil,
Like music and fashion, trends come and go, and certain groups of insects are not popular at certain times, so no research is done. Additionally, taxonomic research is often conducted by individuals with an interest in a specific group. In no entomologist does research that is published, there is no additional information available on a group.
I found some too and haven’t figured it out until now!! it was green and on the island of Hvar, Croatia this July!
Thank you for replying so quickly so my questions, it’s both a relief and saddening to hear that her legs won’t grow back. I’d been wondering about whether they would or not since I noticed them missing. It is a relief because now I feel a bit proud to have caught her from the outside, where I think she might not have lasted long without them. Saddening, because now I won’t feel right about releasing her because they’d have grown back.
I’ also seen the scudder’s bush katydid on Bugguide before, she looked very similar to them as well. It’s nice to know I did my research well. If I take pictures of her in the future that turn out as well as the ones you posted here did, I’ll be sure to send them to you. Especially if they have her doing unusual things, or laying eggs!
(I hope she does lay them, I’ve no clue whether or not she will)
katydids are very yummy.
Dave
http://www.smallstockfoods.com
It is true, Parktown Prawns are one of the colourful aspects of life in Joburg. But harmless they are not -> they can cause nightmares and strange behaviour. My mom was terrified of them and swore she could hear them klomping round the kitchen from the other side of the house. I had to flush them down my toilet as she was scared they would come back and bite her if she flushed them in hers. (??!!) I look slightly less unkindly on them since hearing the eat slugs and snails and are a delicacy for our noo-noo cute Hadeda Ibis, Bostrychia hagedash, who’s range in southern africa has spread in sync withe the building of school sports fields.
Katydids are primarily leaf-eaters, but they also sometimes eat dead insects, insect eggs or slow-moving insects like aphids. I live in Northern California and have witnessed them feeding on aphids.
I’m in Murrin Murrin, North-east Goldfields of Western Australia.
Found this little guy.
http://i.imgur.com/DgH3c.jpg
Slobodane, in serbia this is a strictly protected species with just a couple of findings in recent history. It would be very good to notify Provincial Institute for Nature Protection of Vojvodina and to tell them the exact locality of the finding.
All the best!
Thank you for providing this important conservation advice.
I submitted this a while ago, and I think it is probably Carylla proalbifrons, formerly Orocharis proalbifrons.
Thanks for getting back to us on this.
This is Acanthoplus longipes.
Thanks for the species identification.
What do they eat?
Other insects (dead or alive) and have seen a few eating dry cat food on my front porch. We catch all sorts of grasshoppers and crickets and feed them to our chickens. This is the only type that has bitten on more than one occasion. Actually hurt.
Thank you so much for the identification, I love to be able to tell my children the names of all the interesting creatures we find here…..and just as I was reading your post, another shield back katydid was crawling up my outside window screen.
We must be a hot spot 🙂
Blessings,
Valerie
Thanks Valerie,
We are still awaiting confirmation from Piotr Naskrecki who might be out of the office because we normally hear back from him quickly.
Thank you so much for the identification, I love to be able to tell my children the names of all the interesting creatures we find here…..and just as I was reading your post, another shield back katydid was crawling up my outside window screen.
We must be a hot spot 🙂
Blessings,
Valerie
Daniel,
If you would like to use my up-close photo of the Red Headed Bush Cricket, you are more than welcome to view and download it from my Flickr page (I could not find an upload link for your site). I found this cricket in my backyard, and it was the first time I had ever seen one – handsome little things!
Regards,
Jeff Eppinette
Hi Jeff,
Sorry you had trouble locating our standard submission form. You can find it by clicking the Ask What’s That Bug? link.
Daniel,
If you would like to use my up-close photo of the Red Headed Bush Cricket, you are more than welcome to view and download it from my Flickr page (I could not find an upload link for your site). I found this cricket in my backyard, and it was the first time I had ever seen one – handsome little things!
Regards,
Jeff Eppinette
Fascinating creatures.
Hi, I recently photoed a female (I know that after I found out what a ovipositor is). I wi8ll post a photo soon, with surprises. M. Woesner
I am in Leinster in WA Goldfields and found 3 of these this morning. It rained last night.
If you took any images, we would love to post them. You can submit images using our standard identification form at Ask What’s That Bug?
Yes this is shieldback katydid and the insect is found in most parts of Botswana especially during the harvesting period. Most people believe it is most present when there has been abundant sorghum (mabele in setswana) produced and it remains present until the harvesting period ends, then the insect ‘disappears’ until the next harvesting period.
Thank you so much for this information.
This is Ephippiger discoidalis, a little darker form than usually.
damn saw one in tagaytay today and it killed a goliath spider
that type of raspy crickett we’ve seen today had a yellow color from face to tail, stinger tail, exactly the same wings and as aggressive as you have discussed. I can’t find any exact pic as we have recorded.
This is why I like this page. Had one of these in my carport last night. Looked exactly like this. Now I know what it is. 🙂
I live in yadkinville North Carolina and I just seen this bug.
How large can this Katydid get? A family member was in Namibia and photographed one that looked to be in excess of 5+ inches. Thank you.
If the legs and antennae are considered, a five inch Katydid is very possible.
Found one of these little guys on my porch; I’ve never seen one before today. Super cute!
My grandson found one have heard they bite if so are they harmful, what do they eat.
Someone wisely told us once: “if it has a mouth, it can bite” but the bite of most Katydids would not cause any harm. Most Katydids eat leaves and flowers, but some are predatory.
There is a weird mud structure on the side of my house inHouston Texas
It’s about an long and 3/8″ wide.
There is a weird mud structure on the side of my house inHouston Texas
It’s about an long and 3/8″ wide.
not a katydid, this is a raspy cricket
Thanks for the correction.
Hi I have found somthing identicle to this in new zealnd but was dead nd is dryed out my daughter is taking it to show and tell but we dont know what it is does it have a name please
How do I post a picture? ? I have a good one. I rescued one in my bedroom so it wouldn’t be a cat snack. It repaid me by biting three fingertips, and also my wrist. Hard! Haha. Left a red mark. I put it out the window and thought I must have tasted like something good.
You can submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
So the katydid only ate the belly? I guess he saved 50% or more for later.
Yes, I am giving a response:
Lol
No one does this do they?
Yes, I am giving a response:
Lol
No one does this do they?
This is Phymonotus jacintotopos, a katydid endemic to the higher areas of San Jacinto. I’m going to look for it this weekend.
An answer to the asker:
Many katydids have wings, but this one’s appear to be so short that it cannot fly. Also, many normally-herbivorous insects, including katydids, will engage in carnivory if they either find an already-dead corpse or are starving. Bugguide and other websites have detailed info on crickets vs. katydids.
An answer to the asker:
Many katydids have wings, but this one’s appear to be so short that it cannot fly. Also, many normally-herbivorous insects, including katydids, will engage in carnivory if they either find an already-dead corpse or are starving. Bugguide and other websites have detailed info on crickets vs. katydids.
I saw this for the first time a few minutes ago. I’ve lived here in semi-rural south MS for almost 13 years and never noticed on before. It was crawling on the arm of my porch rocker when I sat down and saw it. No more than 1/2 inch long. I couldn’t believe the colors, and it’s antennae never stopped moving. I didn’t know if it could bite or not, so I moved it with the flyswatter to the floor, and it swiftly walked away into the garden.
Hello,
I have found a Katydid outside and brought him inside. When I put him in a terrarium he would really want to get out, so now I let him out in my home. He has a tiny black dot on him, I don’t know if this is important, and if it is an ailment, if there would be a way to help him. I named him Husamettin.
Thank you in advance for your insights.
Nesli
Hello,
I have found a Katydid outside and brought him inside. When I put him in a terrarium he would really want to get out, so now I let him out in my home. He has a tiny black dot on him, I don’t know if this is important, and if it is an ailment, if there would be a way to help him. I named him Husamettin.
Thank you in advance for your insights.
Nesli
Saw one today in my backyard. At first I thought it was some kind of termite, until I saw it’s hind legs. Interesting looking critter. Ellenboro, NC.
Are they good or bad to have in your garden?
We believe that predators are necessary to keep nature in balance.
This is seriously the most heart wrenching photo I’ve ever seen. I honestly can’t think of anything worse. It will haunt my dreams as well. I love gore horror but this actually tops them all for me. It just struck a deep error chord. I found one not judging it’s red eyes and be friended the beast. I was happy. It was crawling all over me, much smaller than this one and a brighter green. It then bite my hand I shock it off in a parking lot. I felt bad until I started searching what was this red eyed grasshopper all about?? At work we have a cute grasshopper that watched our boss and comes to say “Hi” everyday. It’s her little protector. When it bite me, although did not draw blood which these guys have been known to do, even to a human. It was in the same area as our normal sweet little grasshopper protector. I’m worried now that in time our friend will die by this devil grasshopper. Although I Know if there are one, there are others. I still hate that it’s somewhere out there…lurking. I hope it gets ran over. I’m going to be continuously checking in the area until I get exausted or feel like it truly gone. I hope it dies but much like a horror movie I’m sure this creature feature will be around every night. Coming back to kill again. I’m not giving up. Even though they can fly?? Is that right?? Geeze, times like these you wish you’d just leave some insects alone. I truly thought it was harmless. I am shocked to learn otherwise.
Guess what?? Sure enough he was up on the window by our grasshopper friend so he made my job easy. It was probably going to do a horror show right in front of my boss. I prevented that a killed the beast. Then Nate, my co worker said he wanted to use it for bate and it’s going to be bass food now. Especially since it bit me.
These guys have been all around the bushes by my house
I found one too….novigrad Zadar