Katydids, members of the insect family Tettigoniidae, are common yet often unseen inhabitants of shrubs and trees. They belong to the order Orthoptera, which also includes grasshoppers and crickets, leading to frequent misidentification. This visual guide details the physical characteristics used to distinguish the katydid, sometimes known as a bush cricket, from its close relatives.
Size and General Body Shape
Katydids are medium to large insects, though size varies widely by species and geographical location. North American species commonly range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in body length, while tropical species can exceed 4 inches. The body is typically elongated and often appears vertically compressed or side-flattened when viewed head-on.
A distinctive visual feature is the antennae, which are filamentous and extremely long, often exceeding the length of the body. These whip-like structures are covered in sensory receptors used for navigation, especially since many katydids are nocturnal. The insect is supported by three pairs of legs; the hind legs are long and robust, adapted for powerful jumping. Female katydids also possess a flattened, saber-like structure at the end of the abdomen called an ovipositor, used for depositing eggs.
The Defining Feature Leaf-Like Wings
The most striking visual aspect of the katydid is its camouflage, achieved primarily through its wings. The forewings, called tegmina, are leathery and often convex, held tent-like over the abdomen. These wings are typically a vibrant green, expertly mimicking a living leaf, allowing the insect to blend into foliage.
Many species have wing patterns that include prominent veins, closely resembling the midrib and venation of a real leaf. Some katydids elevate this mimicry further, with wings that appear to have spots, blemishes, or holes, perfectly imitating a damaged or decaying leaf. While green is the common color, rare variations occur, including pink, yellow, or brown individuals. This leaf-like wing structure makes the katydid exceptionally difficult to spot while resting motionless in its arboreal environment.
Distinguishing Katydids From Crickets and Grasshoppers
Distinguishing a katydid from crickets and grasshoppers relies on observing a few specific physical traits. The antennae provide the quickest visual cue for separating katydids from grasshoppers. Katydids and crickets are classified as “long-horned” because their antennae are as long as or longer than their entire body. In contrast, grasshoppers possess short, thick antennae that are significantly shorter than their body length.
Distinguishing katydids from crickets requires focusing on body shape and wing structure. Katydids have bodies that are often laterally compressed, appearing flatter and more leaf-shaped, and they are typically found in trees and shrubs. Crickets, particularly field crickets, tend to have a flatter body profile and a darker, often black or brown coloration, favoring ground-dwelling habitats like soil cracks and debris. The leaf-like texture and shape of the katydid’s forewings are distinct from the typically more rounded, darker wings of crickets.