The Katydid is a grasshopper-like insect which camouflages on leaves. Tettigoniidae contains more than 6,400 species. Tettigoniids may be distinguished from grasshoppers by the length of their antennae, which may exceed their own body length, while grasshoppers’ antennae are always relatively short. The majority of species live in the tropical regions of the world. Diet includes leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds, but many species are exclusively predatory, feeding on other insects, snails or even small vertebrates such as snakes and lizards.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Common Garden Katydid Nymph
The Common Garden Katydid Caedicia simplex is frequently seen in most cities in Australia throughout the year living in and feeding on a variety of garden shrubs as well as Australian native plants. The adults are always green, the nymphs take on the colour of whatever they have been eating. Females deposit their eggs, which resemble black seeds, onto leaves and branches.
Photo: Mark Crocker
Spotted Katydid Nymph
The Spotted Katydid Ephippitytha trigintiduoguttata is a grasshopper-like insect. Food is eucalyptus leaves, wings have 22 brown spots, resembling a chewed eucalypt leaf.
Photo: Robert Whyte
