Katydids of Zihuatanejo

FAMILY TETTIGONIDAE

-Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids (Order Orthoptera)

-Katydids, Crickets, and Allies (Suborder Ensifera)

-Katydids, and Allies (Infraorder Tettigoniidea)

-Superfamily Tettigonioidea

-Katydids (Family Tettigoniidae)

-Leaf Katydids Subfamily (Phaneropterinae)

-Tribe Phaneropterini

-Subtribe Anaulacomerina

-Genus Anaulacomera

Anaulacomera is a genus of leaf katydids in the tribe Phaneropterini. One of the most distinctive features of Anaulacomera species is their leaf-like appearance. They have a vivid green color that closely resembles the leaves and branches of plants. This coloration helps them effectively camouflage with the foliage they inhabit. Anaulacomera katydids are herbivores, feeding primarily on leaves.

Description

Anaulacomera is a genus of katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Phaneropterinae. Members are typically medium-sized, slender-bodied insects with very long, thread-like antennae, large eyes, long walking legs, and broad, leaf-like wings. They are usually green, sometimes with brownish or yellowish markings, and are well camouflaged among foliage.

Range

Anaulacomera is primarily Neotropical, with species occurring from Mexico and Central America into South America and the Caribbean. In Mexico, the genus is represented in warm western and southern regions, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo area.

Habitat

Species inhabit tropical and subtropical forest, seasonally dry woodland, scrub, forest edges, and dense vegetation. They are generally arboreal or foliage-dwelling, occurring on shrubs, vines, and trees, particularly where vegetation provides abundant cover.

Diet

Anaulacomera species are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, tender shoots, flowers, and other plant material. Some species may also consume small amounts of animal matter or other soft foods opportunistically.