Ensifera
Guides
Allonemobius tinnulus
Tinkling Ground Cricket
Allonemobius tinnulus, commonly known as the tinkling ground cricket, is a small cricket species in the family Trigonidiidae. It is native to eastern North America and produces a distinctive high-pitched, tinkling song. The species was originally described as a subspecies of Nemobius fasciatus before being elevated to full species status. It inhabits forest floor environments and leaf litter.
Amblycorypha huasteca
Texas false katydid
Amblycorypha huasteca, commonly known as the Texas false katydid, is a species of bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. It belongs to the round-headed katydid genus Amblycorypha, a group renowned for exceptional leaf-mimicry. The species occurs in the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Like other Amblycorypha, it produces species-specific songs through stridulation of forewing structures to attract mates.
Amblycorypha longinicta
Common Virtuoso Katydid
Amblycorypha longinicta, commonly known as the Common Virtuoso Katydid, is a species of bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. Described by Walker in 2004, this species belongs to the round-headed katydid genus Amblycorypha, which is distributed across North America and tropical Central America. Like other members of this genus, it exhibits remarkable leaf-mimicry through wing venation patterns that match leaf veins, providing effective camouflage against predators. The species is known to inhabit forested environments where its cryptic appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with vegetation.
Anostostomatidae
wētā, king crickets
Anostostomatidae is a family of large, nocturnal orthopterans in the superfamily Stenopelmatoidea, distributed across the southern hemisphere in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Americas. Members are commonly known as king crickets in Australia and South Africa, and wētā in New Zealand. The family exhibits considerable size variation, with some species exceeding 8 cm in length. Many species are flightless, though winged forms occur in some Australian and Asian genera. The family is notable for diverse feeding strategies including herbivory, scavenging, predation, and specialized fungal feeding.
Atlanticus glaber
Atlanticus glaber is a North American katydid (family Tettigoniidae) in the tribe Drymadusini. The species is known from Florida and has been documented as prey of the Great Golden Digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus). Like other members of the genus Atlanticus, it belongs to a group of shield-backed katydids with terrestrial habits.
Capnobotes unodontus
one-tooth longwing
Capnobotes unodontus, the one-tooth longwing, is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Rentz and Birchim in 1968. The species is known from California and has been documented in limited observations.
Ceuthophilinae
cave crickets, camel crickets, spider crickets
Ceuthophilinae is a subfamily of Rhaphidophoridae comprising North American cave crickets. Members exhibit morphological adaptations to subterranean life including reduced eyes and depigmentation. They serve as hosts for parasitic larval mites in the group Parasitengona. The subfamily includes genera such as Ceuthophilus and Hadenoecus.
Ceuthophilus yavapai
Yavapai Camel Cricket
Ceuthophilus yavapai is a camel cricket species in the family Rhaphidophoridae, first described by Hubbell in 1936. It belongs to a genus of wingless crickets commonly associated with dark, humid habitats. The species is known from Arizona and is part of the North American camel cricket fauna, which includes species often found in caves, woodlands, and occasionally human structures. Like other Ceuthophilus, it likely possesses the enlarged hind legs and long antennae characteristic of camel crickets.
Cnemotettix bifasciatus
Cnemotettix bifasciatus is a species of ground weta in the family Anostostomatidae, described by Rentz & Weissman in 1973. It is endemic to California and represents one of the few North American members of this predominantly Southern Hemisphere family. The species is characterized by distinctive bicolor banding patterns. It has been documented through 157 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate levels of citizen science engagement with this taxon.
Conocephalus occidentalis
Pacific meadow katydid
Conocephalus occidentalis, the Pacific meadow katydid, is a species of meadow katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in western North America, with distribution records from California and Oregon. As a member of the genus Conocephalus, it is part of a group commonly known as meadow katydids.
Copiphorini
Coneheads
Copiphorini is a tribe of katydids (Tettigoniidae) within the subfamily Conocephalinae, characterized by a distinctive cone-shaped projection on the head that extends forward in front of the antennae base. Members range from 24 to 74 mm in length, with females typically larger than males. The tribe was originally described as a subfamily (Copiphorinae) by Karny in 1912 but has been reclassified. Species produce loud songs through forewing stridulation and possess straight, slender, toothless ovipositors.
Cycloptilum slossoni
Slosson's scaly cricket, Complex Chirping Scaly Crickets
Cycloptilum slossoni is a species of scaly cricket in the family Mogoplistidae, first described by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1897. It is known from the southeastern United States, with confirmed records from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina. The species was originally described under the genus Mogisoplistus before being transferred to Cycloptilum. Like other members of Mogoplistidae, it is characterized by scales covering the body and wings.
Daihinibaenetes
sand-treader crickets
Daihinibaenetes is a genus of sand-treader crickets endemic to arid regions of the southwestern United States. The genus comprises three described species: D. arizonensis (painted desert sand-treader cricket), D. giganteus (giant sand-treader cricket), and D. tanneri (Utah sand-treader cricket). These crickets are specialized for life in sandy desert environments. The genus was established by Tinkham in 1962.
Daihiniodes
sand-treader crickets
Daihiniodes is a genus of sand-treader crickets in the family Rhaphidophoridae, established by Hebard in 1929. The genus contains at least two described species: Daihiniodes hastifera (Arizona sand-treader cricket) and Daihiniodes larvale (Strohecker's sand-treader cricket). These crickets are part of the tribe Daihiniini within the subfamily Ceuthophilinae.
Euhadenoecus fragilis
Tawney's Cave Cricket, tawneys cave cricket
Euhadenoecus fragilis is a species of camel cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It was described by Hubbell in 1978. The species is known from cave environments in North America, with documented occurrences in Virginia. Like other members of the family Rhaphidophoridae, it is wingless and adapted to subterranean habitats.
Gryllacrididae
raspy crickets, leaf-rolling crickets
Gryllacrididae is a family of non-jumping orthopterans in the suborder Ensifera, commonly known as raspy crickets or leaf-rolling crickets. The family occurs worldwide and contains over 600 species across more than 90 genera, organized into two subfamilies: Gryllacridinae and Hyperbaeninae. Members are distinguished by their unique ability to produce silk independently from other insects, which they use to construct shelters from folded leaves or to seal burrows in soil, sand, or wood. Historically, the family was broadly defined to include Stenopelmatidae and Rhaphidophoridae, which are now recognized as separate families.
Gryllidae
True crickets
Gryllidae, commonly known as true crickets, is a family of insects in the order Orthoptera, suborder Ensifera. Members are characterized by long, thread-like antennae, cylindrical bodies, enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, and forewings modified for sound production. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies (including tree crickets, ground crickets, and sword-tail crickets) elevated to family status. True crickets exhibit worldwide distribution except Antarctica and are known for their acoustic communication, with males producing species-specific calling songs to attract females.
Gryllidea
crickets
Gryllidea is an infraorder within the suborder Ensifera comprising crickets and their relatives. The group contains two superfamilies—Grylloidea (true crickets, tree crickets, scaly crickets, and allies) and Gryllotalpoidea (mole crickets and ant crickets)—encompassing more than 6,000 described species globally. Members are characterized by acoustic communication through stridulation, with males producing species-specific songs to attract mates. The infraorder originated in the Triassic period approximately 250–200 million years ago and represents the third most diverse group within Orthoptera.
cricketsOrthopteraEnsiferaacoustic-communicationstridulationmole-cricketsant-cricketsmyrmecophilybioacousticsedible-insectsagricultural-pesthousehold-pestTriassic-originhemimetabolous-developmentkleptoparasitismchemical-mimicryautotomythigmotaxisinvasive-speciesDiestrammena-asynamoraAcheta-domesticusGryllodes-sigillatusGryllus-firmusParagordius-variushost-parasite-interactionsmitochondrial-genomicspositive-selectioncox1Nearctic-faunaYunnan-biodiversityurban-ecologysoil-ecosystem-engineeringdecomposerfood-securityalternative-proteinGryllus multipulsator
Long-chirp Field Cricket
Gryllus multipulsator is a field cricket species described by Weissman in 2009, known by the common name Long-chirp Field Cricket. It belongs to the genus Gryllus, which includes many common field crickets found in North America. The species is distinguished by its characteristic long chirp pattern. It is native to California and has been documented through 90 iNaturalist observations.
Hadenoecus barri
Barr's Cave Cricket
Hadenoecus barri is a species of camel cricket described by Thomas H. Hubbell in 1978. It belongs to the family Rhaphidophoridae, a group of wingless, humpbacked crickets commonly known as cave crickets or camel crickets. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Tennessee. Like other members of its genus, it is likely adapted to dark, humid cave environments.
Idiostatus fuscus
Dark Shieldback
Idiostatus fuscus is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Caudell in 1934. The species is endemic to North America, with confirmed records from California. As a member of the Platycleidini tribe, it belongs to a group of katydids characterized by their shield-like pronotal morphology. The common name "Dark Shieldback" refers to its coloration and the distinctive expanded pronotum that covers much of the thorax.
Leptophyes
bush-crickets, katydids
Leptophyes is a genus of bush-crickets in the family Tettigoniidae, erected by Franz Xaver Fieber in 1853. Members are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, often exceeding four times the body length, and elongated legs with tibiae twice the length of the pronotum. The genus belongs to the subfamily Phaneropterinae, a group known for acoustic communication involving sound production by both sexes. Species occur across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Leptophyes punctatissima
Speckled Bush-cricket
Leptophyes punctatissima, commonly known as the Speckled Bush-cricket, is a flightless bush-cricket species distributed across most of Europe. It belongs to the subfamily Phaneropterinae and exhibits distinctive acoustic behavior where both sexes stridulate. Males produce calling songs to which females respond with brief chirps, creating a duetting communication system. The species has been studied extensively for its auditory physiology and directional hearing capabilities.
Macrobaenetes valgum
Coachella giant sand treader cricket
Macrobaenetes valgum, the Coachella giant sand treader cricket, is a species of cave cricket in the family Rhaphidophoridae. It is endemic to the United States and has been recorded from California. Like other members of its genus, it is adapted to arid sandy habitats. The species was described by Strohecker in 1960.
Microcentrum californicum
California Angle-winged Katydid, California Anglewing
Microcentrum californicum, the California Angle-winged Katydid, is the smallest member of its genus, with adults measuring 41-52 millimeters. Males possess a brown stridulation area on the shoulders, similar to the Lesser Angle-wing Katydid, but the species' geographic range prevents confusion. It is nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Microcentrum latifrons
southwestern angle-wing katydid, Southwestern Anglewing
Microcentrum latifrons, the southwestern angle-wing katydid, is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is one of six Microcentrum species in North America and among the smallest members of its genus. Adults are leaf-mimicking katydids with green coloration typical of the group. The species has a restricted range in the southwestern United States.
Miogryllus lineatus
Western Striped Cricket
Miogryllus lineatus, commonly known as the western striped cricket, is a cricket species in the family Gryllidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from the southwestern United States. The species is relatively poorly documented compared to other North American crickets, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Myrmecophilus nebrascensis
Nebraska ant cricket
Myrmecophilus nebrascensis, the Nebraska ant cricket, is a species of ant cricket in the family Myrmecophilidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, and New Mexico. Like other members of its family, it is an obligate myrmecophile, living in association with ant colonies. The species was described by Lugger in 1898.
Neobarrettia
arid-land katydid, spiny predatory katydid
Neobarrettia is a genus of nine North American predatory katydids distinguished by prominent spines and powerful mandibles adapted for carnivory. These insects inhabit arid and semi-arid regions from the southwestern United States through Mexico. They are known for aggressive threat displays and the ability to inflict painful bites when handled.
Neoconocephalus palustris
marsh conehead
Neoconocephalus palustris, commonly known as the marsh conehead, is a large katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. It belongs to the conehead group, characterized by a distinctive forward-projecting cone on the head. The species is found in wetland habitats across eastern North America. Like other members of the genus Neoconocephalus, it is among the largest katydids in its range, with some individuals exceeding seven centimeters in length.
Neoconocephalus retusus
Round-tipped Conehead
Neoconocephalus retusus, commonly known as the round-tipped conehead, is a species of katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. Adults range from 37 to 52 mm in length and are active during late summer and autumn. The species is found in the eastern United States and southern Canada, typically in wet grassy and weedy habitats.
Obolopteryx brevihastata
Common Short-wing Katydid
A katydid species in the subfamily Phaneropterinae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Distinguished from congeners by male genitalic and tegminal characters. The specific epithet refers to the relatively short ovipositor.
Oecanthus latipennis
Broad-winged tree cricket
Oecanthus latipennis, the broad-winged tree cricket, is a species of tree cricket in the family Oecanthidae. It is found in eastern North America, with records from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and surrounding regions. Like other members of the genus Oecanthus, males produce songs by stridulation to attract females. The species is distinguished from congeners by its relatively broad forewings.
Orchelimum erythrocephalum
Red-headed Meadow Katydid
Orchelimum erythrocephalum is a North American katydid species in the meadow katydid genus Orchelimum. The common name refers to its distinctive red head coloration. Like other Orchelimum species, it inhabits grasslands and wetland edges where it feeds on both plant material and small insects. The species was described by entomologist William T. Davis in 1905.
Orchelimum superbum
superb meadow katydid
Orchelimum superbum, the superb meadow katydid, is a species of meadow katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. As a member of the genus Orchelimum, it shares characteristics with other meadow katydids, including long antennae and association with grassy or marshy habitats. The species was described by Rehn and Hebard in 1915.
Orocharis saltator
Orocharis saltator is a cricket species in the family Oecanthidae (formerly placed in Gryllidae), described by Uhler in 1864. The genus Orocharis is currently classified within the tribe Hapithini, subfamily Podoscirtinae. This species is known from North America.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
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grigs, primitive katydids
Prophalangopsidae is the sole extant family of the ancient superfamily Hagloidea (Orthoptera). The family comprises a small number of relict species in North America and Asia, alongside numerous extinct genera known from Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits. Extant members are known as "grigs" in North America. The family diverged from its closest living relatives, the katydids (Tettigoniidae), over 230 million years ago during the Permian, making it one of the most phylogenetically isolated orthopteran lineages. Fossil evidence documents substantial diversity during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, with sparse records thereafter.
Tafalisca
Tafalisca is a genus of silent bush crickets in the family Oecanthidae, established by Walker in 1869. The genus comprises species distributed primarily in Central and South America, with one species recorded from Java. Members of this genus are characterized by their lack of stridulatory apparatus, rendering them acoustically silent. The genus is classified within the subfamily Tafaliscinae and tribe Tafaliscini.
Tafalisca eleuthera
Silent Bush Cricket
Tafalisca eleuthera is a species of cricket in the family Oecanthidae, commonly known as the Silent Bush Cricket. The species was described in 2009 from the Bahamas. It belongs to a genus of bush crickets known for reduced or absent calling songs in males.
Tettigoniidae
katydids, bush crickets, long-horned grasshoppers
Tettigoniidae is a large family of orthopteran insects containing over 8,000 described species, commonly known as katydids in North America and bush crickets in the United Kingdom. The family is the only extant member of the superfamily Tettigonioidea within the suborder Ensifera. Members are characterized by extremely long, thread-like antennae that often exceed body length, distinguishing them from true grasshoppers. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in size, ranging from 5 mm to 130 mm, and occupies varied habitats from tropical rainforests to temperate grasslands across all continents except Antarctica.
Tettigoniidea
Katydids, wētā, and allies, katydids, wētā, bush crickets, king crickets, grigs
Tettigoniidea is an infraorder of Orthoptera comprising katydids, wētā, king crickets, and grigs. It includes six extant families distributed across four superfamilies: Tettigonioidea (katydids), Stenopelmatoidea (wētā and king crickets), Hagloidea (grigs), and the extinct Phasmomimoidea. Members are characterized by elongated antennae, enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, and sound production via stridulation. The group contains at least 440 described species, with substantial diversity in tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
Tettigoniinae
Shield-backed katydids, Shield-backed bush crickets
A subfamily of katydids (Tettigoniidae) comprising hundreds of species across approximately twelve tribes. Members are characterized by an enlarged, shield-like pronotum that covers much of the thorax. The subfamily exhibits a disjunct Gondwanan distribution pattern, with major faunas in the Americas, Australia, southern Africa, and the Palaearctic region. North American representatives include both ancient Gondwanan lineages (Nedubini) and more recently diversified northern groups.
Trigonidiinae
trigs, sword-tail crickets, winged bush crickets
Trigonidiinae is a subfamily of true crickets (family Trigonidiidae) in the order Orthoptera, suborder Ensifera. Commonly known as trigs, sword-tail crickets, or winged bush crickets, this group contains small crickets with diverse morphological adaptations. The subfamily includes tribes Phylloscyrtini (Americas distribution) and Trigonidiini (worldwide except Antarctica), along with numerous genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions globally. Many species exhibit distinctive traits such as enlarged maxillary palps, sword-shaped ovipositors, and specialized acoustic communication including substrate-borne vibrational signals.