Description

• Conocephalus brevipennis is a slender conehead katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Conocephalinae. It has a narrow body, very long thread-like antennae, elongated pointed head, long legs, and noticeably shortened wings, giving it a more compact appearance than many fully winged Conocephalus. It is generally green or brown, often with a darker dorsal line.

Range

• Conocephalus brevipennis is a New World species occurring from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America into parts of northern South America. In Mexico, it occurs in warm regions and may be encountered in western and southern areas, including Guerrero and around Zihuatanejo.

Habitat

• It inhabits open grassy vegetation, marshes, wet meadows, savannas, field margins, forest clearings, and other areas with dense herbaceous growth. Its shortened wings are suited to a largely ground- and vegetation-dwelling lifestyle rather than sustained flight.

Diet

• Conocephalus brevipennis is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, sedges, leaves, flowers, and other tender plant material. Like some other conehead katydids, it may also opportunistically consume small insects or other soft-bodied animal matter.