Metrioptera sphagnorum
(Walker, 1869)
bog katydid
Metrioptera sphagnorum, the bog , is a shield-backed katydid in the Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, particularly in Canada. The is notable for its distinctive acoustic : males produce a prolonged trill song that alternates regularly between two intensity levels, with corresponding audio and ultrasonic frequency modes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metrioptera sphagnorum: //mɛˌtriˈɒptəɹə sfæɡˈnɔːɹəm//
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Habitat
Peat bogs; associated with Sphagnum moss .
Distribution
North America; recorded in Eastern Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories.
Behavior
Males produce a prolonged trill song with two alternating intensity levels corresponding to two stridulation modes. One mode emphasizes audio frequencies; the other is dominated by high-intensity ultrasonic frequencies. When approached by a male, singers prolong the audio-dominated stridulation mode.
Similar Taxa
- Metrioptera brachypteraAlso a bog-dwelling with similar preferences; distinguished by acoustic and morphological differences.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym of Sphagniana sphagnorum, though Metrioptera sphagnorum remains in widespread use.