Bug Identifier
True Katydid
Community identification

True Katydid

Pterophylla camellifolia

Order & Family
Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae
Size
1.7 to 2.2 inches (45 to 55 mm)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.