Katydid nymph, Scudderia sp.
Photographed on Woodland Sunflower - Helianthus divaricatus.
Nymphs in this genus are often not identifiable to species. BugGuide also believes It is quite likely that nymphs of Inscudderia and Phaneroptera nana are also included among insects labeled - as on their site - as Scudderia nymphs.
As a whole this genus is referred to as Bush Katydids with 8 species in North America north of Mexico, all native. They range in size from 36 to 50 mm. In general they have narrow wings and straight, long legs.
To identify species within this genus, it is important to see the "terminalia" (parts at the end of the abdomen). The shapes of the parts of both the males and females can be very useful for identification, and often are the only means to reliably tell species apart. In males it is useful (often necessary) to see these parts from both the side and from above, with the shapes of the supra-anal plate and the subgenital plate being important for diagnosis. The shape of the wings is also useful for some species. Also, the color pattern of living specimens can be of use, but is rarely diagnostic.
Found in much of North America from southern Canada southward in deciduous forests, shrublands, grasslands, and in more lush areas within deserts. In many areas the widespread species S. furcata or S. texensis are most likely to be encountered.
Habitat varies with species, most are associated with deciduous forest, woodland, or shrubbery, but with some also favoring rank herbaceous growth.
Adults seen from late spring or summer into autumn often surviving until the first hard freezes.
Most species probably favor foliage of broad-leaved woody deciduous plants, but probably will feed on a variety of other plants. Often (especially nymphs) seen feeding on flowers of assorted, often herbaceous plants.
Eggs are usually laid singly or in a row along the edge of a leaf, with at least the base inserted within leaf. Eggs overwinter, hatch in spring. One generation per year.
Thanks to Brandon Woo and Ross Hill on BugGuide for the ID!
Katydid nymph, Scudderia sp.
Photographed on Woodland Sunflower - Helianthus divaricatus.
Nymphs in this genus are often not identifiable to species. BugGuide also believes It is quite likely that nymphs of Inscudderia and Phaneroptera nana are also included among insects labeled - as on their site - as Scudderia nymphs.
As a whole this genus is referred to as Bush Katydids with 8 species in North America north of Mexico, all native. They range in size from 36 to 50 mm. In general they have narrow wings and straight, long legs.
To identify species within this genus, it is important to see the "terminalia" (parts at the end of the abdomen). The shapes of the parts of both the males and females can be very useful for identification, and often are the only means to reliably tell species apart. In males it is useful (often necessary) to see these parts from both the side and from above, with the shapes of the supra-anal plate and the subgenital plate being important for diagnosis. The shape of the wings is also useful for some species. Also, the color pattern of living specimens can be of use, but is rarely diagnostic.
Found in much of North America from southern Canada southward in deciduous forests, shrublands, grasslands, and in more lush areas within deserts. In many areas the widespread species S. furcata or S. texensis are most likely to be encountered.
Habitat varies with species, most are associated with deciduous forest, woodland, or shrubbery, but with some also favoring rank herbaceous growth.
Adults seen from late spring or summer into autumn often surviving until the first hard freezes.
Most species probably favor foliage of broad-leaved woody deciduous plants, but probably will feed on a variety of other plants. Often (especially nymphs) seen feeding on flowers of assorted, often herbaceous plants.
Eggs are usually laid singly or in a row along the edge of a leaf, with at least the base inserted within leaf. Eggs overwinter, hatch in spring. One generation per year.
Thanks to Brandon Woo and Ross Hill on BugGuide for the ID!