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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)