Phaneroptera

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phaneroptera: /ˌfænəˈrɒptərə/

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Summary

Phaneroptera nana, commonly known as the southern sickle bush-cricket or Mediterranean katydid, is an invasive species in California and has spread to other regions from its native habitat in Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. It is characterized by its distinct physical appearance and mating behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Adult males: 13–15 mm (0.51–0.59 in) long; Females: 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in) long. Light green body with small black spots; bright orange eyes. May have a brown dorsal stripe; hindwings are longer than the tegmina; cerci in males are prominent and curved; females have a sickle-shaped ovipositor about 5 mm long.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species like P. falcata by the male subgenital plate (tapers in P. nana, diverges in P. falcata) and pronotum shape.

Habitat

Inhabits sunny and dry areas, especially shrubs and low branches of trees.

Distribution

Native to mainland Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. Invasive in California, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles Basin. Also recorded in Portland, Oregon since 2015, and hypothesized to have spread to South America via shipping.

Diet

Feeds on unripe pears and the pupae of L. botrana, causing damage in pear orchards.

Reproduction

Females respond to male calls, prompting males to approach. Females are selective, preferring longer chirps. Eggs are laid in plant lamina, measuring around 3 mm and usually hatching in summer.

Economic Impact

Causes damage in pear orchards by feeding on unripe fruit.

Similar Taxa

• Phaneroptera falcata

Tags

• Phaneroptera
• katydid
• invasive species
• Tettigoniidae
• causes damage to orchards