True Katydid

Scientific Name: Pterophylla camellifolia

Order & Family: Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae

Size: 1.7 to 2.2 inches (45 to 55 mm)

True Katydid

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.

Identified on: 6/29/2026