Neoconocephalus bivocatus

Walker, Whitesell & Alexander, 1973

False Robust Conehead

Neoconocephalus bivocatus, the false robust conehead, is a of in the Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with records from Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, and other temperate regions. The species is behaviorally isolated from the closely related N. robustus, with which it has been extensively studied regarding genetic and epigenetic differentiation. Unlike some , N. bivocatus has not been observed to be parasitized by the tachinid fly Ormia lineifrons.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neoconocephalus bivocatus: /ˌniːoʊˌkoʊnəˈsɛfələs ˌbaɪvoʊˈkeɪtəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from the similar Neoconocephalus robustus (robust conehead) by behavioral and acoustic differences; the two are behaviorally isolated. The specific epithet 'bivocatus' refers to the two distinct song types produced by males, a key diagnostic feature separating it from N. robustus. As a member of the Neoconocephalus, it possesses the characteristic cone-shaped projection typical of conehead katydids, though specific morphological distinctions from require detailed examination of genitalia and acoustic signals.

Distribution

North America. Documented records include Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas. The occurs in temperate regions and has been studied in Kentucky .

Behavior

Males produce two distinct song types, referenced in the name 'bivocatus' (two-voiced). The species is behaviorally isolated from Neoconocephalus robustus, with reproductive isolating mechanisms preventing interbreeding. Has not been observed to be parasitized by Ormia lineifrons despite temporal overlap with active .

Similar Taxa

Neoconocephalus robustusClosely related and morphologically similar with which N. bivocatus is behaviorally isolated; distinguished by male song patterns and genetic differentiation.
Neoconocephalus triops, N. velox, N. nebrascensis that share and geographic range but are parasitized by Ormia lineifrons, unlike N. bivocatus which appears to this .

More Details

Genetic and epigenetic research

N. bivocatus has been extensively studied alongside N. robustus to investigate mechanisms of speciation. Significant variation in total methylation levels exists between the two , but genetic differentiation remains larger than epigenetic differentiation. Epigenetic differentiation correlates with , suggesting it results from interactions between genetic and epigenetic loci rather than serving as an independent speciation mechanism.

Parasitoid resistance

In a two-year Kentucky survey, N. bivocatus was among two Neoconocephalus not parasitized by Ormia lineifrons despite the fly being active when males called. This contrasts with four (N. triops, N. velox, N. robustus, N. nebrascensis) that experienced rates of 38-100%. The mechanism of this resistance is unknown but may involve acoustic, temporal, or behavioral factors.