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Project Noah Nature School
Tettigoniidae
I initially thought this was a grasshopper but after doing research I found that it was a katydid. I believe this one is a female due to the shape of its ovipositor (turned upwards). This one was about 2.5 inches long, which is the average length for katydids. Katydids can fly/leap (they’re not the best fliers). In the picture of its head you can see its compound eyes. Katydid legs look as delicate as their wings do, but they can hold onto anything and are very strong. You can see how membranous the wings are, which can produce sound by being rubbed together, similar to crickets. Katydids are known to have long, slender antennae and legs. The underside of the katydid has the spiracles, which is what the insect uses to breathe. I’m not sure what the thing on its antennae is, but it could be debris, food remains, or even a parasite.
Katydids can live pretty much anywhere except in the ocean and Antartica. They thrive in tropical areas but can also survive in the drier places like deserts. They can camouflage well with their surroundings, which can include trees, bushes, and grass.
P.S. - If anyone is worried if I hurt the grasshopper by holding it, it’s ok. The wings are tough, and it flew away once I put it on a plant.
Spotted on Jan 19, 2020
Submitted on Jan 20, 2020
4 Comments
Thank you Machi!
Interesting spotting showing different views of the katydid's body.
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Hi hannahd123! Great spotting. The underside photo shows the spiracles, which is how it breathes. I can't clearly see what is on the antenna, but it looks like just a bit of debris. It is always possible that it is something else like a parasite, food remnants, or maybe even dead skin leftover from shedding.