Cone-headed Katydid

Cone-headed katydids are a group of large katydids in the genus Neoconocephalus, instantly recognizable by their forward-pointing, cone-shaped head that extends well beyond the eyes. They are common inhabitants of tall grasslands, marshes, and old fields across much of North America, with the greatest diversity in the southeastern United States.

These insects are best known acoustically: males of many species produce loud, continuous buzzing or clicking calls after dark that can be heard from a considerable distance, often forming a constant background chorus in grassy habitats during late summer and fall.

• Large katydids, 4–7 cm long depending on species
• Head drawn out into a distinctive forward-pointing cone, sometimes dark-tipped
• Body typically green or brown, closely matching surrounding grasses or reeds
• Long, slender legs and very long, thread-like antennae
• Narrow wings extending well past the abdomen
• Distinguished from other katydids by the unmistakable conical head shape

Found in tall grass meadows, marshes, wet prairies, roadsides, and old fields across most of the United States and parts of southern Canada, with many species concentrated in the southeastern US.

Feeds on grasses and sedges and will also opportunistically take other insects, making it somewhat omnivorous. Males produce loud, sustained buzzing, clicking, or lisping calls at night to attract females, among the loudest and most persistent insect songs in North America. If handled, it can deliver a firm pinch with its strong mandibles as a defensive response.

Eggs are inserted into plant stems or soil in late summer and overwinter before hatching the following spring as wingless nymphs. Nymphs molt through several instars over the growing season, gradually developing wing pads. There is typically one generation per year, with adults most active from mid-summer through fall.