Tettigoniidae
Common Name
Overview
Tettigoniidae, commonly referred to as bush crickets or katydids, is a family of orthopteran insects known for their cricket-like appearance and nocturnal habits. They are distributed worldwide, with the greatest diversity found in tropical regions.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom : Animalia
- Phylum : Arthropoda
- Class : Insecta
- Order : Orthoptera
- Suborder : Ensifera
- Family : Tettigoniidae
Key Characteristics
- Long antennae, often longer than their body
- Large hind legs adapted for jumping
- Wings typically held roof-like over the body
- Stridulation (sound production) via rubbing body parts together
- Plant-mimicking coloration and morphology
Life Cycle
- Egg : Females typically lay eggs in soil, plant tissue, or bark.
- Nymph : Hatch as wingless nymphs, resembling miniature adults. Undergo several molts.
- Adult : Winged stage, capable of reproduction and vocalization. Lifespan varies by species and environmental factors.
Behavior and Ecology
- Predominantly nocturnal
- Herbivorous or omnivorous; some species are predatory
- Utilize camouflage for predator avoidance
- Acoustic communication plays a key role in mate attraction
- Many species exhibit sexual dimorphism
Notable Species
- Scudderia furcata : Fork-tailed bush katydid, common in North America
- Phyllophorina kempfi : Notable for its large size and leaf-like appearance
- Tettigonia viridissima : Large green bush cricket found in Europe
Conservation
- Habitat loss and pesticide use pose threats to various species
- Some species have specific conservation status depending on regional assessments
- Protective measures include habitat preservation and minimizing chemical use in agriculture
Significance to Humans
- Models for bioacoustics research
- Indicators of environmental health and biodiversity
- Sometimes considered pests due to their feeding on agricultural crops
Fun Facts
- Some katydids can "hear" using their legs, which have specialized auditory organs.
- The name "katydid" comes from the perceived sound of their calls to human ears.
- Certain tropical species mimic leaves so well that they even appear to have bite marks!