Shield-backed-katydid
Guides
Acrodectes
Acrodectes is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, containing a single described species, Acrodectes philopagus. The genus was established by Rehn and Hebard in 1920. These insects belong to the diverse katydid group within Orthoptera, characterized by their elongated antennae and stridulatory sound production.
Acrodectes philopagus
Alpine Shieldback
Acrodectes philopagus, commonly known as the Alpine Shieldback, is the sole described species in the monotypic genus Acrodectes. It is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Rehn and Hebard in 1920. The species is known from high-elevation habitats in California. As with other tettigoniids, it possesses enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping and long antennae.
Aglaothorax gurneyi
Gurney's shieldback
Aglaothorax gurneyi, known as Gurney's shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid described by Rentz and Birchim in 1968. The species was originally described as Neduba gurneyi before being transferred to the genus Aglaothorax. It belongs to the tribe Apteropedetini within the subfamily Tettigoniinae. The species has been documented in California.
Aglaothorax ovata
ovate shieldback, ovate shield-back katydid
Aglaothorax ovata is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as the ovate shieldback. It is found in North America and is characterized by its short wings and thickened pronotum that forms a shield over the thorax. Adults are active in late summer and fall. The species includes six recognized subspecies with varying distributions and morphological traits.
Anabrus
Mormon cricket
Anabrus is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, comprising four described species including the extinct Anabrus caudelli. The genus is best known for Anabrus simplex, commonly called the Mormon cricket, a large flightless insect famous for forming massive migratory bands that cause significant agricultural damage in western North America. Despite the common name, these insects are not true crickets but katydids characterized by their gregarious behavior, distinctive morphology, and periodic population outbreaks.
Anabrus cerciata
Big-tooth Anabrus, Big-tooth Mormon cricket
Anabrus cerciata is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Caudell in 1907. It belongs to the genus Anabrus, which also includes the well-known Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex). The species is found in western North America, with confirmed records from Oregon and Washington. It is less studied than its congener A. simplex, and detailed biological information remains limited.
Anabrus longipes
long-legged anabrus
Anabrus longipes is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Caudell in 1907. It is one of several species in the genus Anabrus, which includes the well-known Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex). The species is found in western North America, with documented records from British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Washington. It is distinguished from congeners by its notably long legs, as reflected in its specific epithet.
Apote
Apote is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, established by Scudder in 1897. The genus contains at least two described species: Apote notabilis (the notable apote) and Apote robusta (the robust apote). These insects belong to the subfamily Tettigoniinae and tribe Tettigoniini. Records indicate presence in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
Apote robusta
robust apote
Apote robusta, commonly known as the robust apote, is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Caudell in 1907. The species is found in North America, with records from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada.
Ateloplus
shield-backed katydids
Ateloplus is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Scudder in 1894. The genus contains approximately eight described species, distributed primarily in the southwestern United States. Species within this genus are characterized by their shield-like pronotum that extends over the abdomen, a trait common to the shield-backed katydid group. The genus includes the yellow shieldback (Ateloplus luteus), named for its distinctive coloration.
Ateloplus coconino
Coconino Shieldback
Ateloplus coconino is a shield-backed katydid species described by Hebard in 1935. It belongs to the family Tettigoniidae, a group commonly known as bush crickets or katydids. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona and California. As a member of the genus Ateloplus, it possesses the characteristic shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen, a trait that gives these insects their common name.
Ateloplus luteus
Yellow Shieldback
Ateloplus luteus, commonly known as the yellow shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed distribution records from Arizona. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen, giving these insects their common name.
Ateloplus schwarzi
Schwarz's Shieldback
Ateloplus schwarzi is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Arizona. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
Atlanticus americanus
American shieldback, American shield-bearer
Atlanticus americanus, commonly known as the American shieldback or American shield-bearer, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America. The species was first described by Saussure in 1859 and includes two recognized subspecies: Atlanticus americanus americanus and Atlanticus americanus hesperus.
Atlanticus davisi
Davis's shieldback, Davis's shield-bearer
Atlanticus davisi is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is commonly known as Davis's shieldback or Davis's shield-bearer. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Virginia. As a member of the subfamily Tettigoniinae, it belongs to a group characterized by their flattened, shield-like pronotum that extends over the abdomen.
Atlanticus gibbosus
robust shieldback, robust shield-bearer
Atlanticus gibbosus, commonly called the robust shieldback or robust shield-bearer, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The species is part of the subfamily Tettigoniinae and tribe Drymadusini, characterized by the shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
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.
Atlanticus monticola
Least Shieldback, Davis' Shield-bearer
Atlanticus monticola, commonly known as the least shieldback or Davis' shield-bearer, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a small orthopteran insect native to the southeastern United States. The species was described by Davis in 1915 and is one of several species in the genus Atlanticus, which are characterized by their distinctive shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
Atlanticus testaceus
protean shieldback, short-legged shield-bearer
Atlanticus testaceus, commonly called the protean shieldback or short-legged shield-bearer, is a shield-backed katydid native to eastern North America. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in diet: adult females are primarily carnivorous while adult males consume mostly dried leaves and sand. Both sexes are known to engage in cannibalism. Activity is concentrated in the evening hours, with males stridulating intensively from elevated vegetation while females search for mates and prey.
Capnobotes arizonensis
Arizona longwing
Capnobotes arizonensis, commonly known as the Arizona longwing, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was first described by Rehn in 1904 under the basionym Drymadusa arizonensis. It is native to southwestern North America, with documented occurrences in Arizona, California, and Nevada. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it belongs to a lineage characterized by their distinctive pronotal morphology.
Capnobotes bruneri
Bruner Longwing
Capnobotes bruneri, commonly known as the Bruner Longwing, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with records from California. The species was described by Scudder in 1897. As a member of the Tettigoniidae family, it belongs to the group of insects commonly known as katydids or bush-crickets, characterized by elongated bodies and long antennae.
Capnobotes spatulatus
Spatulate Longwing
Capnobotes spatulatus, known as the spatulate longwing, is a shield-backed katydid described in 1968. It belongs to the family Tettigoniidae, a group characterized by elongated antennae and stridulatory sound production. The species is endemic to western North America, with records primarily from California.
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.
Cyrtophyllicus chlorum
Chaparral Shieldback
Cyrtophyllicus chlorum is a rare species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is the sole described species in the genus Cyrtophyllicus. The species has been documented in limited localities in California, with observations concentrated in the Winters area. Its rarity and restricted distribution make it of particular interest to entomologists and naturalists.
Decticita
shield-backed katydids
Decticita is a genus of shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, established by Hebard in 1939. The genus contains at least three described species distributed in western North America, particularly California. Members are characterized by their reduced or modified forewings and shield-like pronotum typical of the shield-backed katydid group. The genus name reflects its relationship to the broader Decticinae group within Tettigoniidae.
Decticita balli
Ball's Little Shieldback
Decticita balli, commonly known as Ball's Little Shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Hebard in 1939 and is found in North America, with confirmed records from California. The species belongs to the tribe Platycleidini within the subfamily Tettigoniinae.
Eremopedes balli
Ball's Shieldback, Ball's shieldback katydid
Eremopedes balli is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as Ball's Shieldback. It is found in North America, with records from Arizona and Colorado. The species was described by Caudell in 1902 and includes two recognized subspecies: E. b. balli and E. b. pallidus. As a member of the Platycleidini tribe, it belongs to a group of katydids characterized by their distinctive pronotal morphology.
Eremopedes covilleae
Creosote Shieldback
Eremopedes covilleae, commonly known as the Creosote Shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Hebard in 1934 and is found in North America, with records from Texas. The common name suggests a probable association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata).
Eremopedes scudderi
Scudder's Shieldback
Eremopedes scudderi is a species of shield-backed katydid in the genus Eremopedes, family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Cockerell in 1898 and is found in North America, with distribution records from Mexico and the southwestern United States including Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. As a member of the shield-backed katydid group, it belongs to a lineage characterized by modified forewings that form a protective covering over the abdomen. The species is known from relatively few observations (47 records on iNaturalist), suggesting it may be uncommon or under-recorded.
Hubbellia marginifera
Arboreal Pine Katydid
Hubbellia marginifera, the sole species in the monotypic genus Hubbellia, is a shield-backed katydid endemic to the southeastern United States. It is strongly associated with pine forests and has been documented in arboreal habitats, reflecting its common name. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1869 from specimens collected in the region.
Idiostatus aequalis
uniform shieldback
Idiostatus aequalis, commonly known as the uniform shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is native to western North America and is characterized by its distinctive shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen. The species was first described by Scudder in 1899 under the basionym Cacopteris aequalis. Like other members of the genus Idiostatus, it belongs to the tribe Platycleidini within the subfamily Tettigoniinae.
Idiostatus apollo
Apollo Shieldback
Idiostatus apollo, commonly known as the Apollo Shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Rentz in 1973 and is found in western North America, specifically in California, Nevada, and Oregon. The species belongs to the subfamily Tettigoniinae and tribe Platycleidini.
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.
Idiostatus variegatus
variegated shield-back, variegated shieldback
Idiostatus variegatus, commonly known as the variegated shield-back, is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was described by Caudell in 1907. It belongs to the genus Idiostatus, which comprises shield-backed katydids characterized by their distinctive pronotal morphology.
Neduba carinata
shield-backed katydid
Neduba carinata is a shield-backed katydid endemic to Fremont Peak in San Benito County, California. Formerly applied broadly to katydids across the western United States, this name now applies only to a restricted population following elevation of most subspecies to full species status. It is distinguished from the similar N. diabloica by a pronotum that is slightly longer and narrower.
Neduba convexa
Convex Shieldback
Neduba convexa is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Caudell in 1907. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from California. The species belongs to the tribe Apteropedetini and is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Neduba. Like other shield-backed katydids, it possesses a flattened, shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
Neduba diabolica
Diabolic Shieldback
Neduba diabolica is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is known from western North America, with records from California. The species is one of several katydid genera documented as prey for the Great Golden Digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus).
Neduba sierranus
sierra shieldback
Neduba sierranus, the sierra shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid endemic to western North America. It belongs to a relict genus whose diversification reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact in the tumultuous geological history of the region. The species was redescribed in a 2021 comprehensive revision of the genus Neduba using molecular phylogenetics, morphology, calling song analysis, and karyotypes. Like other Neduba species, it is flightless and characterized by a distinctive shield-like pronotum that extends backward over the abdomen.
Neduba steindachneri
Steindachner's shieldback
Neduba steindachneri is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, characterized by reduced or absent wings and a flattened, shield-like pronotum that extends over the abdomen. The species is known from western North America, with its type locality at Fox Island, Washington. It has been documented as prey of the Great Golden Digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus).
Pediodectes bruneri
Bruner Shieldback
Pediodectes bruneri, commonly known as the Bruner shieldback, is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Texas. The species is characterized by the typical shield-backed katydid morphology, where the pronotum extends posteriorly to cover much of the abdomen. Information on specific biology and ecology of this species remains limited in the available literature.
Pediodectes grandis
grand shieldback
Pediodectes grandis, commonly known as the grand shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was first described by Rehn in 1904 under the basionym Stipator grandis. It is distributed across parts of Central America and North America, with records from northeastern Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the genus Pediodectes, adults are wingless, which can complicate distinguishing adults from nymphs. The species is part of a genus where identification from photographs alone is challenging due to variable color patterns that change with individual age and condition.
Phymonotus jacintotopos
San Jacinto shieldback
Phymonotus jacintotopos is a rare, monotypic shield-backed katydid endemic to the San Jacinto Mountains of southern California. It is distinguished by an unusually enlarged dome-like pronotum, distinctive red-and-black coloration, and a unique calling song. The species is considered a Pleistocene relic, restricted to isolated high-elevation conifer forests. It belongs to the tribe Nedubini, whose members have a Gondwanan distribution.
Plagiostira
shield-backed katydids
Plagiostira is a North American genus of shield-backed katydids (family Tettigoniidae) containing at least three described species. It is the sole genus in the monotypic tribe Plagiostirini, established by Storozhenko in 1994. The genus was erected by Scudder in 1876, with Plagiostira albonotata designated as the type species. Species in this genus are large, robust katydids associated with arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States.
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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Gillette's shieldback
Plagiostira gillettei is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Caudell in 1907. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, with records from California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. One subspecies, P. g. utahensis, is endemic to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Kane County, Utah. The common name honors an individual named Gillette, likely the collector or an entomological colleague.
Platyoplus gilaensis
Gila Shieldback
Platyoplus gilaensis, commonly known as the Gila Shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is the sole described species in the monotypic genus Platyoplus. The species was described by Tinkham in 1973 and is known from the southwestern United States.
Steiroxys strepens
Noisy Shield-backed Katydid, noisy shieldback, shield-backed katydid
Steiroxys strepens is a shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Fulton in 1930. It is known from limited observations in North America, particularly Oregon. The species belongs to a genus characterized by a distinctive dorsal shield-like structure formed by the pronotum extending over the abdomen.
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.