Neoconocephalus robustus

Distinguished from other conehead katydids by the combination of its exceptionally loud song (116 dB) and the 8 kHz peak frequency. The cone shape lacks the hooked tip present in Pyrgocorypha uncinata (hook-faced conehead). From other Neoconocephalus species, identification requires examination of song characteristics and subtle morphological differences in the cone structure and genitalia. The crepitating (rasping) quality of the song distinguishes it from species with more musical calls.

As a member of the genus Neoconocephalus, this species has an elongated, cone-shaped head (fastigium) that projects forward from the face. The body is large for a katydid, with some Neoconocephalus species exceeding seven centimeters in length. Like other conocephaline katydids, it possesses extremely long, thread-like antennae characteristic of the family Tettigoniidae. Coloration is typically green, brown, or gray. The species lacks the distinctive hooked tip on the cone found in Pyrgocorypha uncinata.

Associated with grasslands, meadows, prairies, and wetlands—habitats typical for conocephaline katydids. These environments support the grasses and forbs that form the primary food resources for the subfamily.

Documented from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, and Delaware based on GBIF records. The species occurs broadly in North America, though precise range boundaries require further documentation.

Adults reach maturity in late summer and early autumn, when mating activity occurs. Activity patterns follow the typical seasonal cycle of temperate North American katydids, with nymphs developing through spring and summer.

Feeds on grass seeds, which it cracks with powerful mandibles. Also consumes leaves and flowers of forbs (non-grass herbaceous plants). As with other conocephaline katydids, likely includes opportunistic predation on other insects, especially injured individuals, to supplement protein intake.

Hemimetabolous development with egg, nymph, and adult stages. Nymphs progress through multiple instars before reaching adulthood. Final-instar nymphs molt to adults in late summer, as observed in related species.

Males produce an extremely loud calling song to attract females, with sound production reaching 116 decibels. The song can be detected from 500 meters away. Females may accept nutritious spermatophores from males during mating, consuming the spermatophylax (gelatinous protein-rich portion) after copulation—a behavior well-documented in related conocephaline katydids.

Functions as a primary consumer, converting plant biomass (grasses and forbs) into animal biomass. Seed predation can significantly reduce seed production in host plants. Serves as prey for birds, mammals, and other insects. Contributes to nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems.

The extreme volume of its song makes this species notable in studies of bioacoustics and the physical limits of sound production in insects. The painful intensity of the song at close range may cause discomfort to humans encountering calling males. Otherwise has minimal direct economic impact.

• Neoconocephalus ensigerSimilar conehead morphology and habitat; distinguished by song characteristics and subtle structural differences in the cone
• Pyrgocorypha uncinataShares conehead form but possesses distinctive hooked tip on the cone that N. robustus lacks; also differs in song frequency and pattern
• Other Neoconocephalus speciesRequire detailed examination of male genitalia and precise song analysis for reliable separation; many species sympatric in eastern North America

• katydid
• conehead
• Tettigoniidae
• bioacoustics
• grassland
• North America

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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