Bug Identifier
Katydid (Bush Cricket)
Community identification

Katydid (Bush Cricket)

Family Tettigoniidae (e.g., Microcentrum sp. / Angle-wing Katydid)

Order & Family
Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae
Size
1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 65 mm) long
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Deciduous trees, shrubs, tall grasslands, gardens, and suburban landscapes.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds mainly on leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits of various trees and bushes.

Behavior Patterns

Strictly nocturnal, using camouflage that mimics leaf veins to avoid predators. Males produce loud rhythmic buzzing or chirping calls at night by rubbing their wings together to attract mates.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting. Beneficial as a food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, though occasionally causes minor cosmetic leaf damage to garden plants.