Hapithus brevipennis
Saussure, 1897
Short-winged Bush Cricket, Short-winged Meadow Katydid
Hapithus brevipennis is a small bush in the Gryllidae, native to the southeastern United States. are distinguished by their abbreviated wings, which give the species its . Males produce a distinctive song consisting of buzzes and ticks interspersed with pauses to attract females. The species is active in late summer and autumn, with females using a prominent ovipositor to deposit in protected locations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hapithus brevipennis: /ˈhæpɪθəs ˌbrɛvɪˈpɛnɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other bush crickets and katydids by the combination of very short wings (brevipennis = 'short-winged') and the distinctive male song pattern of buzzes and ticks with pauses. The long ovipositor in females is conspicuous. Similar short-winged in the Conocephalus (meadow katydids) differ in song structure and wing venation details. Hapithus species can be separated from Oecanthus (tree crickets) by preference and body proportions.
Appearance
Small bush with notably short wings that do not extend to the tip of the . Body coloration is typically green or brown, providing camouflage in grassy vegetation. Hind legs are greatly enlarged and muscular, adapted for powerful jumping. Females possess a long, sword-like ovipositor at the rear of the abdomen used for -laying. are long and thread-like, extending well beyond the body.
Habitat
Grassy meadows, fields, and open areas with herbaceous vegetation. Associated with tall grasses and forbs where individuals can climb and feed.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: recorded from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Seasonality
active primarily in late summer and autumn, with peak activity in September and October.
Diet
: feeds on foliage, flowers, and small insects such as aphids.
Life Cycle
stage overwinters in protected locations. Eggs deposited in soil, plant tissue, or under bark using the female's ovipositor. Nymphs develop through spring and summer, reaching adulthood in late summer. One per year.
Behavior
Males produce -specific calling songs by stridulation—rubbing a scraper on one forewing against a file on the opposing forewing. Females are attracted to male songs and exercise mate choice based on song quality, particularly the buzz component. Both sexes are capable of powerful jumping to escape .
Ecological Role
Herbivore and occasional of small insects; serves as prey for various vertebrate and predators in meadow .
Human Relevance
Subject of bioacoustic research on insect communication and female mate choice. Provides autumn serenade in natural areas, contributing to seasonal soundscape.
Similar Taxa
- Conocephalus brevipennisFormerly confused due to similar and short wings; distinguished by different song structure and wing .
- Oecanthus spp.Tree crickets with similar body form but longer wings, different (trees and shrubs), and continuous trilling song rather than buzz- pattern.
- Other Hapithus speciesRequire careful examination of male genitalia and song characteristics for definitive identification.