Conocephalus strictus

(Scudder, 1875)

Straight-lanced Meadow Katydid

Conocephalus strictus, the straight-lanced meadow , is a North katydid notable for the female's exceptionally long, straight that exceeds body length. The exhibits with short-winged (13–22 mm) and long-winged (21–30 mm) forms. appear in late summer and occur year-round in dry grasslands, old fields, and pastures where they form dense . Males produce a faint, pulsating purr at 10–20 kHz.

Conocephalus strictus (1) by Gawkinsk1. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Straight-lanced Meadow Katydid - Conocephalus strictus, Mason Neck West Park, Mason Neck, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Straight-lanced Meadow Katydid - Conocephalus strictus, Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Aden, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Conocephalus strictus: /ˌkɒnoʊˈsɛfələs ˈstrɪktəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from co-occurring Conocephalus fasciatus and Orchelimum by the female's conspicuously longer, straight . Males identified by that are tapered beyond the and flattened distally, versus shorter, differently shaped cerci in similar species. (short vs. long ) present but not diagnostic alone. Song a faint, pulsating purr at 10–20 kHz, softer than many .

Images

Appearance

Large and for the Conocephalus. Body length ranges 13–30 mm depending on . Coloration green and . () short relative to body. Two distinct exist: short-winged form (13–22 mm) and long-winged form (21–30 mm). Males possess long tapered beyond the , flattened in their final third, and capable of extreme body bending. Females have a straight, sword-like that exceeds body length—the ' namesake feature.

Habitat

Dry grasslands, old fields with grasses, and open areas of short grass along roadsides and in pastures. Prefers clumped vegetation where individuals aggregate in large numbers. Not associated with wetlands or dense .

Distribution

North America: central Arizona to southern Montana and southern New York to southern Georgia in the United States; extends into parts of Mexico and Canada.

Seasonality

first appear in late summer; occur year-round in suitable .

Diet

Grasses, with a on grass seeds. powerful enough to crack seeds.

Life Cycle

development with , , and stages. Eggs deposited using the elongated , likely inserted into soil or vegetation. Nymphs resemble miniature adults without . Adults reach maturity in late summer.

Behavior

Forms dense or clumps of individuals. Males to produce -specific song for mate attraction. Both sexes capable of powerful jumping using enlarged hind legs. Males exhibit extreme body bending, possibly related to mating or signaling.

Ecological Role

Primary consumer converting grass to biomass; significant in grassland . Serves as for predatory including Sphex ichneumoneus (Great Golden Digger Wasp), which paralyzes to provision nests. studies indicate meadow katydids can convert substantial portions of biomass (e.g., 16% of Juncus biomass in one study) and reduce seed production of grasses and rushes by 30–50%.

Human Relevance

Subject of ecological research on grassland and - interactions. Song audible to humans with good high-frequency hearing or recording equipment, contributing to soundscape of North grasslands. No documented agricultural pest status or economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Conocephalus fasciatusCo-occurs in same range; distinguished by shorter and in both sexes.
Orchelimum vulgare meadow with shorter and ; belongs to different with generally larger body size.

More Details

Wing dimorphism

Presence of both short-winged () and long-winged () forms within may reflect strategies or environmental plasticity.

Etymology

Specific epithet 'strictus' and 'straight-lanced' refer to the female's straight, sword-like .