Bush crickets, often recognized as katydids, are insects found across diverse environments globally, with the exception of Antarctica. These creatures are well-known for their distinct sounds and remarkable camouflage, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. Their feeding habits are more varied than often assumed.
Their Plant-Based Diet
Bush crickets are primarily herbivorous. They consume various parts of plants, including young, tender leaves, a preferred food source. Beyond leaves, their diet extends to flowers, stems, fruits, seeds, and even tree bark. Common plant examples they feed on include citrus, peaches, pears, blueberries, apricots, plums, eucalyptus, and oak.
Their feeding activity on leaves often results in holes. They are often found in gardens and forests, with ready access to these materials.
Beyond Plants: Omnivorous Feeding
Despite their primary reliance on plants, bush crickets are not exclusively herbivorous; many species exhibit omnivorous tendencies. They supplement their plant-based diet with animal matter, including small insects like aphids and caterpillars, insect eggs, and even carrion or other organic debris. Aphids, being slow-moving, are a common and favored prey item, providing valuable protein. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows them to acquire essential nutrients, such as protein and salts, which may be less abundant in an exclusively plant-based diet.
Some bush cricket species are predominantly predatory, actively hunting other insects. In situations where protein or salt is scarce, certain species may even resort to cannibalism. This dietary flexibility demonstrates their adaptability to varying food availability within their habitats.
Dietary Adaptations and Variations
The diet of bush crickets can vary significantly based on factors such as their life stage, specific species, and the availability of food in their habitat. While both nymphs and adults consume similar food types, the extent of damage they inflict on plants may differ. Certain species are strictly herbivorous, while others are largely predatory, showcasing a wide range of feeding strategies across the family. For instance, tropical bush cricket species may incorporate a higher proportion of insects into their diet.
Bush crickets possess strong mandibles, which are their chewing mouthparts, adapted for grinding and processing both plant and animal matter. These mandibles operate with a side-to-side motion, efficiently breaking down food. The wear patterns on their mandibles can even indicate the abrasiveness of their diet. Some tropical species have developed specialized spikes on their legs, which assist in spearing and capturing other insects.