Animal Profiles
Insects

Katydid

Tettigoniidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Katydids have long antennae and diverse diets. This account follows the common true katydid (Pterophylla camellifolia), a leaf-eating insect of North American treetops.

Pterophylla camellifolia, the representative described in this account.

Pterophylla camellifolia, the representative described in this account.

James St. John · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Common true katydids live in deciduous tree canopies.
Habitat
Temperate forest
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Tree leaves provide food.

Classification

Common name
Katydid
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Tettigoniidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Orthoptera
Family
Tettigoniidae
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • The wings resemble leaves.
  • Its food is tree foliage.
  • Eggs overwinter in bark crevices.

Habitat and range

Common true katydids live in deciduous tree canopies. The cited Missouri account describes animals that are heard much more often than they are seen high among the leaves.

Appearance and adaptations

Green wings have prominent leaflike veins and form a rounded cover over the body. Long antennae extend forward, and females have a blade-shaped egg-laying appendage.

Diet and behaviour

Tree leaves provide food. Nighttime calling helps individuals find mates, and eggs placed in bark crevices pass the winter before hatching into wingless nymphs.

Sources

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