Doin' the Twist

Katydids are predominantly nocturnal insects related to crickets and grasshoppers and noted for their loud mating calls. Katydids have large hind... more

by David and Carol Kelly

Title

Doin' the Twist

Artist

David and Carol Kelly

Medium

Photograph

Description

Katydids are predominantly nocturnal insects related to crickets and grasshoppers and noted for their loud mating calls. Katydids have large hind legs and are distinguished by their extremely long, threadlike antennae and the thick, upwardly curved ovipositor (egg-laying structure) of the females. Often large and green, many katydids have long wings, but some common species are nearly wingless. Katydids are most abundant in the tropics—the Amazon rainforest is home to about 2,000 species—but katydids are also found in cooler and drier regions throughout the world; the United States is home to over 100 species. They live on trees, bushes, or grasses, often matching the appearance of their surroundings. Many species resemble leaves; leaf-katydids of the American tropics precisely mimic partially eaten or otherwise disfigured leaves. Owing to such adaptations and their lack of daytime activity, relatively little is known of this group of insects, despite their ubiquity, abundance, and variety.

Uploaded

July 2nd, 2013