Katydids of Zihuatanejo

FAMILY TETTIGONIDAE

-Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids (Order Orthoptera)

-Katydids, Crickets, and Allies (Suborder Ensifera)

-Katydids, and Allies (Infraorder Tettigoniidea)

-Superfamily Tettigonioidea

-Coneheads and Meadow Katydids (Subfamily Conocephalinae)

-Lesser Meadow Katydids (Genus Conocephalus)

Lesser Meadow Katydids are smaller than others, and they have a cone-shaped head that is a bright green colour without markings. A brown stripe runs down the back. Long legs are speckled with tiny brown spikes. As their common name suggests, the members of this genus are typically found in grassy areas, overgrown fields, and meadows, feeding on a variety of plants.

Description

Conocephalus is a genus of conehead katydids in the family Tettigoniidae, subfamily Conocephalinae. Members are slender, long-legged insects with very long, thread-like antennae, elongated cone-shaped heads, and narrow wings that are often longer than the abdomen. They are typically green or brown, sometimes with contrasting stripes or markings.

Range

Conocephalus has a broad worldwide distribution, with species occurring throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In Mexico, the genus is widespread and includes species occurring in western and southern regions, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo area.

Habitat

Species inhabit grasslands, meadows, marshes, wetlands, savannas, forest edges, roadsides, agricultural areas, and other places with dense grasses and herbaceous vegetation. Many species favour tall, moist vegetation, while others are adapted to drier open habitats.

Diet

Conocephalus species are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, sedges, leaves, flowers, and other plant material. Some species are omnivorous and supplement their plant diet with small insects, eggs, or other soft-bodied prey.