Neobarrettia
Rehn, 1901
arid-land katydid, spiny predatory katydid
Neobarrettia is a of nine North predatory distinguished by prominent and powerful adapted for carnivory. These inhabit arid and semi-arid regions from the southwestern United States through Mexico. They are known for aggressive threat displays and the ability to inflict painful bites when handled.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neobarrettia: //ˌniːoʊ.bəˈrɛ.ti.ə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other by combination of: body with prominent thoracic and abdominal ; large, heavily sclerotized with sharp dentes and incisors visible even in closed position; relatively small, round, high-set ; and flattened facial profile lacking the conical shape of cone-headed . are long and multi-segmented. Coloration in life is typically green, fading to - after death.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including desert scrub, grasslands, and open rocky areas.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas) and Mexico.
Diet
Predatory on other ; has been observed capturing and consuming and other .
Behavior
Performs conspicuous threat displays when disturbed; capable of inflicting painful defensive bites with enlarged .
Ecological Role
in arid-land .
Human Relevance
Bites can draw blood and cause pain; caution advised when handling.
Similar Taxa
- PterophyllaBoth are North , but Pterophylla lacks the prominent body and enlarged predatory of Neobarrettia.
- OrchelimumSimilar body plan, but Orchelimum are not spiny and have less developed mandibular armature.
- StenopelmatidaeSimilar build and spiny appearance, but have different shape (more bulbous), different proportions, and lack the flattened facial profile.