Orchelimum vulgare
Harris, 1841
Common Meadow Katydid
Orchelimum vulgare, the common meadow , is a North katydid in the . It inhabits fields and low meadows across the central and eastern United States and adjacent Canada. are active from midsummer through fall. The exhibits feeding habits, consuming material including grass seeds and forbs, as well as opportunistically preying on other .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Orchelimum vulgare: //ɔːrˈkɛlɪməm vʌlˈɡeɪriː//
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Identification
have bright red and green . The body is green with legs. Two distinct black are present on the shield (). The is distinctly curved. Body length ranges from 22–40 mm, with females larger than males. The long, thread-like characteristic of distinguish it from short-horned .
Images
Habitat
Fields and low meadows, where individuals perch on clumps of grass. Prefers moderate temperature climates; does not tolerate extreme heat or humidity well.
Distribution
Central and eastern North America. Records include Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, and Illinois.
Seasonality
Active from midsummer to fall.
Diet
Consumes grass seeds and forbs (flowering herbaceous plants that are not grasses, sedges, or rushes), including leaves and flowers. Opportunistically preys on other , including other , , and . Has been observed eating other .
Behavior
Males produce songs through (rubbing specialized structures on the together) to attract females. Like other meadow , uses to manipulate food items while feeding.
Ecological Role
Functions as for various . Contributes to energy flow in grassland and meadow ; can convert substantial into biomass. Seed consumption can reduce seed production of rushes and grasses by 30–50%.
Similar Taxa
- Orchelimum nudipesAnother meadow in the same ; O. vulgare distinguished by red , green , and two black pronotal
- Neobarrettia spinosaAlso a North with formidable , but N. spinosa is larger, more , and has prominent ; O. vulgare lacks these spines and has the diagnostic red and green
- Conocephalus spp.Smaller meadow in the same ; O. vulgare is larger and has the distinctive red and curved not seen in Conocephalus