Decticita brevicauda
(Caudell, 1907)
Short-winged Shieldback
Decticita brevicauda, known as the short-winged shieldback, is a of shield-backed katydid in the Tettigoniidae. The species is characterized by its abbreviated wings, a trait reflected in its specific epithet 'brevicauda' (short-tailed). It was originally described by Caudell in 1907 under the basionym Eremopedes brevicauda. The species is found in North America, with documented occurrence in California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Decticita brevicauda: /dɛkˈtɪsɪtə ˌbrɛvɪˈkaʊdə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Decticita and similar shield-backed katydids by the combination of short, non-functional or reduced wings and the flattened, shield-like pronotum. The specific epithet 'brevicauda' directly references this abbreviated wing condition. Separation from requires examination of male genitalia and detailed morphological comparison not fully documented in general sources.
Appearance
A shield-backed katydid with notably short wings that do not reach the end of the , giving the its . The body is typically flattened and shield-like in profile, characteristic of the Platycleidini tribe. Coloration and detailed body proportions have not been comprehensively documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America; specifically documented from California. GBIF records indicate presence in North America with California as a confirmed location.
Similar Taxa
- Other Decticita speciesSimilar shield-backed katydid ; distinguished primarily by wing length and male genitalic structures
- Platycleis speciesRelated platycleidine katydids with similar body form; differ in wing development and geographic distribution
More Details
Original description
First described as Eremopedes brevicauda by Caudell in 1907, later transferred to the Decticita.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'brevicauda' derives from Latin 'brevis' (short) and 'cauda' (tail), referring to the abbreviated wings.