Scudderia mexicana

(Saussure, 1861)

Mexican bush katydid

Scudderia mexicana, the Mexican bush , is a phaneropterine katydid in the . measure 30–38 mm in length and possess slender . are distinguished by a horn located between the . The has been documented feeding on leaves, including those of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).

Scudderia mexicana by (c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by CK2AZ. Used under a CC-BY license.Scudderia mexicana by (c) siamesepuppy, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Mexican Bush Katydid - Flickr - siamesepuppy by siamesepuppy. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scudderia mexicana: /skʌˈdɛɹiə mɛksɪˈkænə/

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

Identification

can be recognized by the presence of a horn between the , a feature not mentioned for in available sources. may be distinguished from other Scudderia by examination of male genitalic structures, though specific diagnostic characters for S. mexicana versus other western species require examination.

Images

Distribution

Documented from Arizona, California, and multiple regions of Mexico including Northeast, Gulf, and Southwest zones.

Diet

Folivorous; has been observed feeding on leaves including those of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).

Host Associations

  • Swietenia macrophylla - big-leaf mahogany

Similar Taxa

  • Scudderia furcataFork-tailed bush is the most widespread and commonly encountered Scudderia in North America; S. mexicana may overlap in range and in the southwestern United States, requiring careful examination for separation

More Details

Taxonomic note

S. mexicana is one of eight recognized Scudderia in the United States and southern Canada, though it is less well-documented in the literature than the widespread S. furcata.

Tags

Sources and further reading