Mediterranean Katydid

Phaneroptera nana

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Infraorder: Tettigoniidea
Family: Tettigoniidae
Subfamily: Phaneropterinae
Genus: Phaneroptera
Species: nana

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phaneroptera nana: /fæˌnɛrəˈptɛrə ˈnænə/

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

Images

Phaneroptera nana (Périgné) 17082016 01 by Gllawm. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phaneroptera nana (Périgné) 27082014 01 by Gllawm. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phaneroptera nana (Périgné) 27082014 02 by Gllawm. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phaneroptera nana (Périgné) 19082016 02 by Gllawm. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phaneroptera nana (Périgné) 23062022 02 by Gllawm. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phaneroptera nana (Périgné) 15092014 01 by Gllawm. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Phaneroptera nana, the Mediterranean katydid or southern sickle bush-cricket, is a species known for its distinct appearance and ecological impact as an invasive herbivore in various regions, particularly in the United States after being introduced from Europe.

Physical Characteristics

Adult males grow 13–15 mm long, females 15–18 mm. Basic coloration light green with many small black spots; bright orange eyes; possible brown dorsal stripe on forewings. Hindwings longer than tegmina, which are approximately three-fourths the length of hindwings. In males, cerci are prominent and curved; females have a 5 mm sickle-shaped ovipositor.

Identification Tips

Males have a tapering subgenital plate, while P. falcata has a divergent plate with lobes. Protonum of P. nana is narrower than tall, whereas P. falcata's protonum is about equal in width and length.

Habitat

Sunny and dry habitats, especially shrubs and low branches of trees.

Distribution

Native to mainland Europe, Near East, and North Africa. Introduced to U.S. with records in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles Basin, Portland (Oregon), and parts of the Northeast U.S. (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts).

Diet

Feeds on immature pears in orchards and has been recorded consuming pupae of L. botrana.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in the plant lamina, hatching typically occurs in summer, allowing for observation during summer and fall.

Reproduction

Females sing in response to males' chirps to attract them; they are selective and prefer longer chirps. Interaction necessitates a response within 60 milliseconds from the female. Oviposition involves bending the abdomen to create an opening in the plant lamina.

Ecosystem Role

As an invasive herbivore, it can impact agricultural systems, particularly pear orchards.

Economic Impact

Known to damage pear crops.