Shield-back-katydid
Guides
Neduba macneilli
MacNeill's Shieldback
Neduba macneilli is a shield-backed katydid endemic to western North America. It belongs to a relict genus whose diversification reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact associated with the evolving geography of the region. The species was redescribed in a 2021 revision that used molecular phylogenetics, morphology, calling song analysis, and karyotypes to define species boundaries. Like other Neduba species, it has been documented as prey for the Great Golden Digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus).
Neduba propsti
Santa Catalina Island Shieldback, Catalina shield-back cricket, Propst's shieldback
Neduba propsti is a shield-backed katydid endemic to Santa Catalina Island, California. The species was described in 1981 and is one of nine previously described species in the relict genus Neduba, which underwent comprehensive taxonomic revision using molecular phylogenetics, morphology, calling song analysis, and karyotypes. Like other Neduba species, it represents part of a diversification pattern shaped by cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact in western North America.