Scudderia furcata

Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878

Fork-tailed Bush Katydid

Scudderia furcata, the fork-tailed bush , is a widespread North in the . It is transcontinental in distribution and is the most common Scudderia species in western North America. measure 36–40 mm from to folded wingtip. The species has been documented as a pest of citrus and stone fruits in California, though recent research suggests its impact varies significantly between citrus .

Scudderia furcata by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Scudderia furcata by (c) David Hill, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Scudderia furcata-1 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scudderia furcata: /skʌˈdɛɹ.i.ə fɜːrˈkeɪ.tə/

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

Identification

Reliable -level identification of Scudderia requires examination of the male supra- ( ), which is forked (tuning fork-shaped) in S. furcata. This structure is normally hidden by folded in living specimens, making field identification to species difficult. In the western United States and Canada, S. furcata is virtually the only Scudderia species present, simplifying identification in that region. are difficult to identify to species. Distinguished from the greater angle-wing (Microcentrum rhombifolium) by smaller size (36–40 mm vs. 52–63 mm), less body, and lack of the angular wing shape characteristic of Microcentrum.

Images

Appearance

are 36–40 mm in length from to tips of folded . Most specimens are uniformly green, though late-season individuals may appear brownish, reddish, or pinkish. Both sexes well. The exhibits excellent leaf- . Females possess a curved, knife-like . Males have a distinctive fork-like (supra-) that resembles a miniature tuning fork; this structure is concealed by folded wings in living specimens.

Habitat

Found in shrubby vegetation, gardens, yards, forest edges, and orchards. Occupies both woodland margins and open areas with scattered trees. In the western United States, associated with rhododendron and other shrubs. Attracted to outdoor lights at night.

Distribution

Transcontinental in North America, ranging from southern Canada through the United States to Mexico. Present in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and across the eastern and central United States. The most widespread Scudderia in North America.

Seasonality

active primarily in late summer and autumn. Seasonal color change occurs in late season, with green individuals becoming brownish, reddish, or pinkish. Present year-round in warmer parts of range as ; emerge in spring.

Diet

and feed on foliage of shrubs and trees. Documented feeding on citrus (oranges and mandarins), stone fruits, and rose plants. folivore.

Host Associations

Citrus spp. - pest can cause significant damage to citrus fruit; less damaging to some mandarin than to navel oranges
Rosaceae - Successfully reared on rose foliage including roses and blackberries
Prunus spp. - pestDocumented pest of stone fruits in California

Life Cycle

Females singly in rows between leaf layers using their curved , creating kidney bean-shaped bulges in leaves. Up to 175 eggs may be laid in small batches at multiple locations. Eggs overwinter and hatch in spring. through six , gradually developing and reproductive structures. Nymphs feed on shrub foliage before reaching adulthood in late summer.

Behavior

Males produce an intermittent rasping call described as "s-s-s-s-s-S-S-S-T" by rubbing stridulatory structures together. The discontinuous song likely reduces risk by making location difficult. Males switch to a softer "" courtship song when females approach. Both sexes communicate using when in close proximity. are and well. Males transfer a -rich to females during mating, which the female consumes while sperm enter her .

Ecological Role

in shrub and orchard . Serves as for and other . are parasitized by tiny wasps in .

Human Relevance

Considered a pest in California citrus groves and stone fruit orchards when are high. cause direct damage to developing fruit. Subject of ongoing research to update guidelines for mandarin . Sometimes enters homes, attracted to lights.

Similar Taxa

Scudderia spp.Other bush in the require examination of male supra- shape for reliable identification; S. furcata is the only in most of western North America
Microcentrum rhombifoliumGreater angle- is larger (52–63 mm), more , with more angular wings and different song; lacks the forked supra- of S. furcata
Microcentrum retinerveLesser angle- overlaps in range and ; distinguished by size and

More Details

Research on citrus pest status

Recent ecoinformatics research by Bodil Cass (UC Davis) indicates that S. furcata, a in navel oranges, very rarely damages some mandarin . Field experiments are investigating whether are pests at all in certain mandarin , potentially requiring modification of guidelines.

Color variation

Autumn specimens may appear dull , reddish, or with purple or pink tones, contrasting with the vivid green of summer individuals. This seasonal is not fully understood.