Conocephalinae

Distinguished from other Tettigoniidae subfamilies by the combination of: (1) elongated, slender body form; (2) usually prominent fastigium of vertex (cone or projection on head); (3) association with grassland or meadow habitats. Separated from Pseudophyllinae (true katydids) by less leaf-like body form and different stridulatory song patterns. Distinguished from Phaneropterinae (bush katydids) by more robust build and typically more prominent head projection. Conehead genera (Neoconocephalus, Pyrgocorypha, Belocephalus) with pronounced cone; meadow katydid genera (Conocephalus, Orchelimum) with shorter, less conspicuous fastigium. Specific identification often requires examination of male genitalia, song characteristics, or details of head cone shape.

Body typically slender and elongate. Antennae very long, thread-like, often exceeding body length. Head with fastigium of vertex usually extended forward as a cone or projection, variable in shape—rounded, pointed, or hooked depending on genus and species. Pronotum often saddle-shaped or extended. Forewings (tegmina) usually well-developed, with stridulatory apparatus present in males: file on left forewing, scraper on right. Hind legs enlarged for jumping. Coloration typically green, brown, or gray; some species show color polymorphism (green and brown forms).

Grasslands, meadows, prairies, marshes, and wetlands. Many species associated with tall grasses and sedges. Meadow katydids (Conocephalus, Orchelimum) typically in lush, wet meadows and marsh edges. Conehead katydids (Neoconocephalus, Pyrgocorypha) often in taller, denser grass stands and sometimes in drier upland prairies. Some species found in roadside vegetation and disturbed grassy areas.

Widespread in North America, particularly abundant in eastern United States and adjacent Canada. Range extends from southern Canada through most of the United States; some genera (e.g., Neoconocephalus) with species reaching into Central America and the Caribbean. Pyrgocorypha uncinata (Hook-faced Conehead) occurs in south-central United States including Arkansas. Some species with more restricted distributions, particularly in coastal plain or prairie regions.

Adults present primarily mid-summer through early autumn (July–October in temperate North America). Nymphs develop through spring and early summer, reaching maturity in late summer. Mating and egg-laying occur in late summer and fall. Eggs overwinter in plant tissue. In southern regions, activity period may extend longer; some species may have multiple generations or extended season.

Omnivorous, with substantial herbivory and opportunistic predation. Grass seeds form major component of diet for many species; mandibles powerful enough to crack seed coats. Also feed on leaves and flowers of forbs (non-grass herbaceous plants). Meadow katydids (especially Orchelimum) known to prey on other insects, particularly injured or small individuals such as leafhoppers, planthoppers, and smaller katydids. Females consume spermatophores provided by males during mating, gaining nutritional investment for egg development.

• Juncus - feeds onRush species; study showed conocephaline katydids converted 16% of Juncus biomass into katydid biomass
• grasses - feeds onSeeds and foliage major food source
• forbs - feeds onFlowering herbaceous plants, leaves and flowers consumed

Hemimetabolous development. Eggs laid in plant tissue using well-developed ovipositor, overwintering in this stage. Nymphs hatch in spring, resembling small adults but lacking wings and reproductive structures. Nymphs pass through multiple instars (typically 5–6), developing wing buds in later instars. Adults emerge in mid-to-late summer. Males produce species-specific songs by stridulation to attract females. Mating involves transfer of spermatophore from male to female; female consumes spermatophore after mating. Single generation per year in temperate regions (univoltine).

Males produce loud, species-specific songs by rubbing forewings together (stridulation), with file on left wing and scraper on right. Songs used for mate attraction and species recognition. Females detect male songs using tympanal organs located in chambers on front tibiae. Both sexes use fore tarsi to manipulate food items, bringing them to mouth in a hand-like manner. Some species, particularly meadow katydids, exhibit opportunistic predation on other insects. Grooming behavior observed. When disturbed, individuals may jump or fly short distances to escape.

Significant herbivores in grassland and wetland ecosystems. Impact on plant communities documented: feeding on seeds can reduce seed production of rushes and grasses by 30–50%. Conversion of plant biomass to insect biomass provides food for predators including birds, spiders, and other insects. As omnivores with predatory tendencies, may influence populations of smaller herbivorous insects such as leafhoppers and planthoppers. Serve as prey for higher trophic levels, linking primary production to secondary consumers.

Ecologically important components of grassland and wetland biodiversity. Some species considered indicators of habitat quality in prairie and meadow ecosystems. Songs contribute to natural soundscape of summer evenings. Occasionally reach nuisance levels in agricultural settings, though generally not major pests. Used in ecological research on insect-plant interactions, mating systems, and acoustic communication. Some species kept as pets or studied for their songs.

• PseudophyllinaeTrue katydids also in family Tettigoniidae but typically more robust, leaf-mimicking in appearance, with different song patterns and less prominent head projection.
• PhaneropterinaeBush katydids share family Tettigoniidae but generally more slender, with less conspicuous fastigium and different habitat preferences (often shrubs and trees rather than grasses).
• AcrididaeGrasshoppers in different family but similar grassland habitat; distinguished by short antennae, different body proportions, and tympanal organs on sides of first abdominal segment rather than on forelegs.

• katydid
• conehead
• meadow katydid
• stridulation
• grassland
• omnivore
• acoustic communication

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Super Crop Challenge #7 | Beetles In The Bush
• Bug Eric: Orthoptera Thursday: The Katydid's Menu
• Bug of the Week