Meconematinae

Burmeister, 1838

quiet-calling katydids, quiet crickets

Genus Guides

Meconema(oak bush-crickets)

Meconematinae is a of katydids (Tettigoniidae) commonly known as quiet-calling katydids or quiet crickets. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution with notable gaps in Antarctica and North America. It comprises three tribes: Meconematini (mostly Europe and Asia, with some African representation), Phisidini (pan-tropical), and Phlugidini (pan-tropical). Members are characterized by their ability to produce ultrasonic sound, with some being miniature and brachypterous.

Meconematinae by (c) Kevin Judge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kevin Judge. Used under a CC-BY license.

Meconematinae by (c) David Sandler, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Sandler. Used under a CC-BY license.

Meconema thalassinum by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Meconematinae: /ˌmɛkoʊˈnɛmətɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of Meconematinae can be distinguished from other Tettigoniidae by their quiet-calling and associated ultrasonic sound production. Tribe Meconematini is primarily distributed in Europe and Asia, while tribes Phisidini and Phlugidini have pan-tropical distributions. Some , particularly within Phlugidini, contain miniature brachypterous with reduced wings.

Images

Habitat

Subtropical and tropical regions with high humidity; soft adapted to humid conditions. Some occur in mountainous areas at elevations around 1200 m.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with very limited representation in Antarctica and North America. Tribe Meconematini: mostly Europe and Asia, with subtribe Acilacridina in southern Africa. Tribe Phisidini: pan-tropical, including South America, Madagascar, Indian Ocean Islands, Malesia, Pacific islands, Africa, and Indo-China. Tribe Phlugidini: pan-tropical, including Southeast Asia, Australia, Pacific islands, and South America.

Behavior

Produce ultrasonic sound. Some are miniature and brachypterous (short-winged).

Similar Taxa

other Tettigoniidae subfamiliesMeconematinae is distinguished by quiet-calling and ultrasonic sound production, whereas many other produce audible calls