Conocephalus cinereus

Thunberg, 1815

Caribbean Meadow Katydid

Conocephalus cinereus is a of meadow katydid in the Tettigoniidae, commonly known as the Caribbean Meadow Katydid. It belongs to the Conocephalinae, which includes abundant orthopterans in eastern North America and adjacent regions. As with other Conocephalus species, it possesses the characteristic long, thread-like that distinguish katydids from true grasshoppers. The species has been documented across the Caribbean region and parts of Central and North America.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Conocephalus cinereus: /koʊˌnoʊˈsɛfələs sɪˈnɪəriəs/

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Identification

Members of the Conocephalus can be distinguished from the larger conehead katydids in the genus Neoconocephalus by their smaller size. Females possess a prominent sword-like ovipositor at the rear of the , used for -laying in vegetation or soil. Males lack this structure. Like other katydids, Conocephalus cinereus has longer than its body, distinguishing it from grasshoppers which have short, stubby antennae. The forewings bear a file and scraper structure used for stridulation.

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Habitat

Meadow katydids in the Conocephalinae, to which this belongs, are typically found in tall grass including wetlands, lush meadows, and prairies.

Distribution

Documented from Colombia, Rica, Cuba, Florida (USA), and Guatemala. The "Caribbean Meadow Katydid" reflects its primary distribution in Caribbean regions.

Diet

As a member of the Conocephalinae, Conocephalus cinereus is likely . Related meadow katydids feed on grass seeds, foliage, flowers, and forbs, with some known to consume other insects opportunistically, particularly injured individuals such as leafhoppers and planthoppers.

Similar Taxa

Conocephalus brevipennisBoth are meadow katydids in the same with short wings; C. brevipennis is distinguished by its specific wing length and song pattern of buzzes and ticks with short pauses
Conocephalus fuscusBoth share the Conocephalus and possess prominent ovipositors; C. fuscus (Long-winged Conehead) has notably longer wings and is expanding its range in Europe
Neoconocephalus speciesBoth are conehead katydids in the same ; Neoconocephalus are substantially larger, with some exceeding 7 cm in length, and are more robust