Scudderia cuneata

Morse, 1901

Southeastern Bush Katydid

Scudderia cuneata, the southeastern bush , is a North American katydid in the Tettigoniidae. It is one of eight recognized species of bush katydids in the Scudderia found in the United States and southern Canada. The species is restricted to the southeastern United States, with documented occurrences in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Like other Scudderia species, it is arboreal and .

Scudderia cuneata by (c) Bob Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Scudderia cuneata by (c) Leila Dasher, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Leila Dasher. Used under a CC-BY license.Scudderia cuneata (Southeastern Bush Katydid) (7325662674) by Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scudderia cuneata: /skʌˈdɛɹiə kjuːˈneɪtə/

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Identification

Reliable identification of Scudderia requires examination of the male supra-anal plate ( process), a horn-like structure at the rear of the . In S. cuneata, this structure is wedge-shaped (cuneate), distinguishing it from the forked supra-anal plate of S. furcata. Live specimens in the field are generally unidentifiable to species because folded wings conceal this diagnostic feature.

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Habitat

Associated with wooded including forests and shrublands in the southeastern United States.

Distribution

Southeastern United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Similar Taxa

  • Scudderia furcataFork-tailed bush is transcontinental and overlaps with S. cuneata in range; distinguished by forked (not wedge-shaped) male supra-anal plate and different song pattern
  • Other Scudderia speciesSeven additional North American Scudderia require examination of male genital structures for reliable differentiation; most have restricted ranges that may aid identification

Sources and further reading