Conocephalus attenuatus

Scudder, 1872

Long-tailed Meadow Katydid, Lance-tailed Meadow Katydid

Conocephalus attenuatus is a meadow katydid in the Tettigoniidae, found in North America. It is commonly known as the long-tailed meadow katydid or lance-tailed meadow katydid, referencing its distinctive elongated ovipositor. The species belongs to the Conocephalinae, a group abundant in grassland and wetland of eastern North America. Like other meadow katydids, it produces species-specific acoustic signals through stridulation for mate attraction.

The Quarterly journal of the Geological Society of London (12981233873) by Geological Society of London. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Conocephalus attenuatus: /kɔˌnoʊˈsɛfələs əˌtɛnjuˈeɪtəs/

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Habitat

Meadow katydids in the Conocephalus, including C. attenuatus, are associated with tall grass vegetation in meadows, prairies, and wetlands. These provide both food resources and structural cover for concealment and .

Distribution

North America. Distribution records include Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas.

Seasonality

reach maturity in late summer and early autumn, with mating and acoustic activity occurring during this period. Activity extends through September and October in temperate regions.

Diet

As a meadow katydid in the Conocephalinae, C. attenuatus likely feeds on grass seeds, forb foliage and flowers, and opportunistically on small insects. However, specific dietary studies for this have not been documented.

Life Cycle

Development follows the typical hemimetabolous pattern of Orthoptera: hatch into nymphs that resemble miniature without wings, progressing through multiple instars before reaching adulthood. Females possess a prominent elongated ovipositor for depositing eggs into soil or plant tissue.

Behavior

Males produce calling songs through forewing stridulation to attract females. Females are attracted to male songs and may discriminate among potential mates based on song characteristics. Males have been observed remaining near females during oviposition, sometimes singing continuously.

Ecological Role

As a primary consumer, C. attenuatus contributes to energy flow in grassland by converting plant into insect biomass. It serves as prey for various including such as the Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus), which has been documented hunting Conocephalus .

Similar Taxa

Conocephalus brevipennisShares the same and general meadow katydid , but distinguished by shorter wings and different song characteristics. C. attenuatus has a more elongated body form and longer ovipositor.
Orchelimum speciesLarger meadow katydids in the same with similar preferences, but Orchelimum are generally more robust and have different acoustic signatures.

More Details

Nomenclature

The specific epithet 'attenuatus' refers to the attenuated or slender form, particularly describing the elongated ovipositor that gives rise to the 'long-tailed' and 'lance-tailed' meadow katydid.