Oecanthus forbesi
Titus, 1903
Forbes' tree cricket
Oecanthus forbesi is a of in the Oecanthidae, to North America. The species is closely related to O. nigricornis and can be distinguished reliably only by the pulse rate of the male's song, which increases with temperature. Males produce sound through , with a measured rate of 55-56 pulses per second at approximately 15°C. The species has a yellowish with distinctive black markings on the first two antennal .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oecanthus forbesi: /iːˈkænθəs ˈfɔrbiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Extremely similar to Oecanthus nigricornis in general appearance; reliable separation requires analysis of male song pulse rate. At approximately 15°C, O. forbesi males produce 55-56 pulses per second. Antennal markings may provide additional diagnostic characters but are subtle. Examination of the first two antennal segments for black markings is necessary, though this trait alone may not definitively separate the from close relatives.
Appearance
Small with a yellowish bearing black markings on the first two antennal . The body is slender and greenish, typical of . Maximum body length approximately 20 mm. Males have greatly expanded, paddle-shaped used for sound production; females have slender forewings hugging the body tightly and a short, stout visible at the tip.
Habitat
Found in grassy fields, meadows, and areas with tall weeds. Occurs in vegetation ranging from ground-level herbs to shrubs. Has been observed in yucca and similar vegetation in park settings.
Distribution
North America. Documented distribution records include Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Ohio. Likely occurs more broadly in the eastern and central United States, though precise range boundaries require further study.
Behavior
Males sing to attract females using , raising to a 90-degree angle to the body. Song pulse rate varies with temperature, increasing as temperature rises. Upon female approach, males switch to a softer song and expose a metanotal gland on the that secretes a substance females feed on during mating. This feeding serves as a distraction while the male transfers a .
Similar Taxa
- Oecanthus nigricornisVirtually identical in general ; reliably distinguished only by male song pulse rate at given temperature
More Details
Song characteristics
Male song measured at 55-56 pulses per second at approximately 15°C. Pulse rate increases with temperature, a common trait in acoustic .