Download Gryllidae (Crickets)

Tettigoniidae (Katydids or Long-Horned
Grasshoppers)
The katydids are a large, morphologically diverse group that can be
found in most areas of the world. Most katydids are a characteristic
bright green color, but there is huge variation between (and
sometimes in even within) species. All are herbivores, but some will
occasionally eat other insects as well. Katydids will eat leaves, seeds,
fruits, and flowers. Like the crickets (to which they are closely
related), they produce sound by rubbing one front wing over the
other. The name "katydid" is supposed to sound like the typical
Tettigoniid song. While usually found in open areas, some live on
trees and are able to make their living in forested areas.
Identifying Features
Antennae are very long and thin.
Tarsae have 4 segments.
Tympanum located at base of front tibia.
Ovipositor long and shaped like a scimitar.
Gryllidae (Crickets)
Polyancistrus cf. serrulatus
Phoebolampta excellens
Most male members of this family sing. Sound is produced by rubbing or scraping one front wing over the other. In
some cases, the wing venation and shape has been further modified so that the wings act as speakers, amplifying the
sound produced. Songs are used to attract mates and defend territories. Songs are usually very specialized
according to species. Females will mate only with males producing the correct song; in many cases, species look
identical and can only be separated by their calls.
The rapidity of chirping is in many cases linked to temperature, and
some crickets songs can give a very accurate estimate of the ambient
temperature. Sound sensing organs (tympani) are located on the front
tibiae. There have been over 80 separate losses of sound production in
the evolutionary history of the crickets. Loss of sound production is
almost always
coupled with loss of hearing organs and usually with wing loss.
Crickets are herbivores and/or scavengers. A few are considered pests,
either because of their eating or singing habits.
Amphiacusta sp female
Identifying Features
Long antennae.
Usually dark in color.
Tarsae with 3 segments.
Tympanum at base of front tibia (in most groups).
Wings usually held flat against back.
Ovipositor is relatively long and thin.
Amphiacusta sp male
Resources
http://eny3005.ifas.ufl.edu/lab1/Orthopteroid/Tettigoniid.htm (distinguishing characteristics with photos)
http://viceroy.eeb.uconn.edu/interkey/titlepg (interactive key to the katydids of La Selva, Costa Rica)
http://Orthoptera.regapts.com/basic/Hierarchy.asp (searchable database of all Tettigoniidae described prior to
1998)
Naskrecki, P. and D. Otte. 1999. An Illustrated Catalog of Orthoptera. Vol. I. Tettigonioidea (CD ROM). The
Orthopterists’ Society at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Publications on Orthopteran
Diversity.
http://csssrvr.entnem.ufl.edu/~walker/handbook/cklstwww.html (list of all katydids and crickets with maps of
distributions, recordings of songs, some images)