Sphecid-wasp-prey
Guides
Insara
western bush katydids
Insara is a genus of katydids commonly known as western bush katydids, established by Walker in 1869. The genus belongs to the tribe Insarini within the subfamily Phaneropterinae of family Tettigoniidae. Species in this genus are found primarily in western North America and Mexico, with at least 20 described species recognized. The genus is notable as a host for predatory wasps, particularly Sphex lucae, which paralyzes species such as Insara elegans (elegant bush katydid) to provision its nests.
Insara covilleae
Creosote Bush Katydid
Insara covilleae, commonly known as the creosote bush katydid, is a phaneropterine katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. The species was described by Rehn & Hebard in 1914 and is found in North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. The common name reflects its association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), which serves as a primary host plant. The species is part of the genus Insara, which contains several bush katydid species found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Microcentrum rhombifolium
greater angle-wing katydid, broad-winged katydid, angular-winged katydid
A large, leaf-mimicking katydid native to North America, recognized by its rhombus-shaped green wings and distinctive 'ticking' call. Adults reach 50–65 mm in length and are most active in late summer and autumn. The species is among the most convincing leaf mimics in its family, with broad, reticulate-veined tegmina that provide excellent crypsis in deciduous vegetation. Males produce intermittent calling songs and courtship songs consisting of repeated ticks once a female is attracted.