Orchelimum

Distinguished from other katydid genera by combination of long antennae, green coloration in life, and association with meadow and marsh habitats. Similar to Conocephalus (lesser meadow katydids) but generally larger. Species identification requires analysis of male calling songs, which are diagnostic. Distinguished from bush katydids (Tettigoniinae) by more slender body and habitat preference. Conehead katydids (Neoconocephalus) are larger with more robust heads.

Medium-sized katydids with slender bodies and extremely long, filamentous antennae that exceed body length. Most species are green in life, though preserved specimens often fade to yellow or brown. The forewings are typically well-developed and used in sound production. Head is relatively small with large compound eyes. Hind legs are enlarged for jumping. Sexual dimorphism is present, with females bearing a prominent, sword-like ovipositor.

Tall grass vegetation in wetlands, lush meadows, prairies, and marshy areas. Often found in dense herbaceous vegetation including rushes (Juncus), sedges, and grasses.

Eastern United States and adjacent Canada; individual species have more restricted ranges. Records from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, and throughout eastern and central North America.

Adults reach maturity in late summer and early autumn (August-September in temperate regions), when mating activity peaks. Nymphs present earlier in growing season.

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grass seeds, leaves, and flowers of forbs. Grass seeds constitute a substantial portion of diet, cracked with powerful mandibles. Opportunistically predatory on other insects, particularly leafhoppers, planthoppers, and smaller katydids, especially when seeking protein or when prey are injured.

Hemimetabolous development with egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females deposit eggs using prominent ovipositor. Nymphs resemble adults but lack fully developed wings. One generation per year in temperate regions.

Males produce calling songs through stridulation to attract females; most are 'left-handed' with left forewing overlapping right. Songs are species-specific and used for identification. Females use fore tarsi to manipulate food items while feeding. Males produce spermatophores during mating; females consume the gelatinous spermatophylax portion after copulation as a nutrient investment. Threat displays may be exhibited when disturbed.

Significant consumers of plant biomass in grassland and wetland ecosystems; one study documented three meadow katydid species converting nearly 16% of rush biomass into insect biomass. Seed predation reduces seed production of rushes and grasses by 30-50%. Serve as prey for birds, spiders, and other insectivores. Act as opportunistic predators, regulating populations of smaller herbivorous insects.

No direct economic importance. Subject of ecological and behavioral research, particularly regarding mating systems and acoustic communication. Used in studies of sexual selection and nuptial feeding. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and entomologists in field surveys.

• ConocephalusLesser meadow katydids; generally smaller than Orchelimum, with species-specific differences in size and song
• NeoconocephalusConehead katydids; larger, more robust head shape, different habitat preferences and song characteristics
• TettigoniaBush katydids; more robust body form, typically brown rather than green, different stridulatory patterns

• katydid
• meadow katydid
• stridulation
• grassland
• wetland
• herbivore
• predator
• acoustic communication

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Orthoptera Thursday: The Katydid's Menu
• ID Challenge #2 | Beetles In The Bush
• Bug Eric: How Insects Sing