Shieldback-katydid
Guides
Idiostatus bechteli
Bechtel's Shieldback
Idiostatus bechteli is a species of shieldback katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Rentz in 1973. It belongs to a genus of flightless katydids restricted to western North America. The species is known from Nevada and represents one of several Idiostatus species adapted to arid and semi-arid environments of the Great Basin region.
Idiostatus inyo
Inyo Shieldback
Idiostatus inyo is a species of shieldback katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, described by Rehn & Hebard in 1920. It is endemic to California and is associated with the Inyo Mountains region, from which its specific epithet derives. The species belongs to a genus of flightless, ground-dwelling katydids commonly known as shieldbacks due to their enlarged, shield-like pronotum that covers much of the thorax and wings. Like other Idiostatus species, it is adapted to arid and semi-arid mountain environments.
Pediodectes tinkhami
Tinkham's Shieldback, Tinkham's shieldback katydid
Pediodectes tinkhami, or Tinkham's shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is found in North America, with records from Texas and northeastern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Pediodectes, it is wingless as an adult, which can make distinguishing adults from nymphs difficult. Species identification within Pediodectes is challenging from photographs alone due to variable color patterns and age-related changes in appearance.
Plagiostira mescaleroensis
Mescalero Shieldback
Plagiostira mescaleroensis is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Tinkham in 1960. It is endemic to the Mescalero Sands region of southeastern New Mexico, where it inhabits sand dune ecosystems. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological adaptations to arid environments. Like other members of Tettigoniidae, it is nocturnal and possesses sound-producing capabilities, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Steiroxys trilineatus
Three-lined Shieldback, Three-lined Camel Cricket
Steiroxys trilineatus is a shieldback katydid native to western North America, recognized by the three pale longitudinal stripes running along its dorsal surface. This flightless, ground-dwelling species inhabits grassland and sagebrush steppe ecosystems, where it occupies a cryptic lifestyle among vegetation and litter. Adults are active during summer months, with males producing songs via tegminal stridulation to attract mates. The species has been documented from the Great Basin through the Rocky Mountain region, with populations adapted to semi-arid conditions.