Oecanthus californicus

Saussure, 1874

Western Tree Cricket

Species Guides

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Oecanthus californicus, the Western Tree , is a of tree cricket in the Oecanthidae. It is found in western North America, including the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is one of five tree cricket species recorded in Colorado. Males produce songs by stridulating their forewings to attract females, and engage in courtship feeding involving a metanotal gland secretion. The species has been observed in ranging from coniferous woodlands to grassy fields and meadows.

Oecanthus californicus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oecanthus californicus: /iːˈkænθəs ˌkælɪˈfɔːrnɪkəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Identification to level within the Oecanthus is difficult and typically requires examination of markings on the first two antennal segments at the base of the . The Western Tree can be distinguished from other Colorado species by these antennal markings. Males have greatly expanded, paddle-shaped forewings used for sound production, while females have slender forewings that hug the body tightly and possess a short, stout ovipositor visible at the tip.

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Habitat

Found in diverse including coniferous woodlands, grassy fields, meadows, and areas with tall weeds. In southwestern Utah, has been observed on trunks of Pinus edulis (Colorado pinyon pine) at night. Also occurs in areas with yucca and rabbitbrush.

Distribution

North America. Recorded from Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. One of five Oecanthus present in Colorado.

Seasonality

have been observed in late summer and early fall, with records from June through September. Peak activity appears to occur in late summer.

Diet

, feeding on plants and small insects such as aphids.

Behavior

Males sing by raising forewings into a shape at a 90-degree angle to the body, producing sound by drawing a scraper on one wing across a file on the other. Some males align wings with gaps in foliage or chew holes in leaves to reduce acoustic interference. Upon attracting a female, males switch to a softer song and expose a metanotal gland on the ; the female feeds on its secretion while the male transfers a . Females use their ovipositor to insert into berry canes and other plant stems.

Ecological Role

of small soft-bodied insects such as aphids; also functions as herbivore. Serves as prey for various . Male songs contribute to acoustic environment of .

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science and natural history observation. Audio recordings of male songs have been contributed to platforms such as iNaturalist.

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