Angle wing Katydid - Microcentrum rhombifolium

Moved

… David J. Ferguson, 12 December, 2011 - 10:16am

Size.

If you are not exaggerating the size, then it probably 'is' rhombifolium. M. retinerve is, in my experience, smaller. Still, the only way to tell definitively is to look for a blunt tooth on the front margin of the pronotum (top portion of thorax, where it joins the head). That character is not visible in this lateral view.

… Eric R. Eaton, 7 September, 2008 - 5:36pm

Angle Wing Katydid

I've discovered this katydid on a plant in Somerville, Mass. I can't get a good picture of it. It is doing serious damage to the plant, but it is so beautiful I don't want to do anything to harm it. It has been staying on the same plant and not venturing to others. I've looked for more, but can only find the one. Does anyone know what I should do? I've never seen a bug like this and it is truly a beautiful creature, but I've been cultivating the plant it is munching for 10 plus years...

None of the local science museums have heard of this bug or can tell me what I should do about it.

Marcie

… Campbell, 8 September, 2008 - 7:45pm

Angle wing Katydid

Hi Eric,
Thanks for commenting as I am always trying to ID the various insects in my yard (espcially the singing Orthoptera). Now that I think about it, this individual was probably 2.5-2.75" in overall length. I should have thought a little harder on that. Thanks. I may have a different angle on this bug. If so I will post. Or maybe I can send off forum ?
Thanks,
Bill

… William V. Walbek, 7 September, 2008 - 7:53pm