
Community identification
True Katydid
Pterophylla camellifolia
- Order & Family
- Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae
- Size
- 1.7 to 2.2 inches (45 to 55 mm)
Natural Habitat
Deciduous forests, woodlands, and residential areas with many trees, especially in the canopy.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; primarily feeds on the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, such as oaks and maples.
Behavior Patterns
Chiefly nocturnal; known for the loud 'katy-did, katy-didn't' song produced by males rubbing their wings together. They use their leaf-like wings for camouflage against predators.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; they are beneficial to the ecosystem as a food source for birds, bats, and other insectivores, though they can occasionally damage foliage in high numbers.