Species Graphocephala versuta

described in 1830 by Say, who originally placed it in genus Tettigonia

VERSUTA: from the Latin "versutus" (cunning); I don't know how this name relates to the species

about 6 mm (generally smaller than other common Graphocephala species except coccinea)

typical form: forewings green with several black tooth-like markings at apex (a diagnostic feature); pale blue stripe (sometimes bordered on both sides by an orange stripe) runs diagonally from anal angle to base of costa, continuing along margin of pronotum to front of head; scutellum yellow with several thin black lines; pronotum green; top of head light brown or orangish with pale blue stripe along midline; hindwings dark reddish-brown; abdomen yellow; metathorax black

another form has mostly blue forewings with red diagonal stripes (see Internet References below)

colors in prepared specimens often dull and faded

Virginia and Maryland to Florida, west to Texas, north to Illinois, Indiana

also occurs in Mexico and Costa Rica

most of the year in the south; warmer months in the north

leaves of blackberry, grape, honeysuckle, privet (Ligustrum spp.), cherry and various other deciduous trees

up to four generations per year; overwinters as an adult