Identification
Wings narrow, straight, legs long
in Microcentrum wings broader, angled
Inscudderia is more local, associated with s./se. cypress swamps +Insara is southwestern
Young nymphs have black and white banded antennae, and a pointed projection between eyes just above antennae (see comment
here and discussion
here)
To identify species within this genus, it is important to see the "terminalia" (parts at the end of the abdomen). The shapes of the parts of both the males and females can be very useful for identification, and often are the only means to reliably tell species apart. In males it is useful (often necessary) to see these parts from both the side and from above, with the shapes of the supra-anal plate and the subgenital plate being important for diagnosis. The shape of the wings is also useful for some species. Also, the color pattern of living specimens can be of use, but is rarely diagnostic.
Examples of male supra-anal plates:
S. cuneata
S. curvicauda
S. fasciata
S. furcata
S. mexicana
S. pistillata
S. septentrionalis
S. texensis
Range
Much of North America from southern Canada southward in deciduous forests, shrublands, grasslands, and in more lush areas within deserts. In many areas the widespread species S. furcata or S. texensis are most likely to be encountered.
Habitat
Varies with species, most are associated with deciduous forest, woodland, or shrubbery, but with some also favoring rank herbaceous growth.
Season
Adults from late spring or summer into autumn often surviving until the first hard freezes.
Food
Most species probably favor foliage of broad-leaved woody deciduous plants, but probably will feed on a variety of other plants. Often (especially nymphs) seen feeding on flowers of assorted, often herbaceous plants.
Life Cycle
Eggs are usually laid singly or in a row along the edge of a leaf, with at least the base inserted within leaf. Eggs overwinter, hatch in spring. One generation per year.
Remarks
S. cuneata - Southeastern Bush Katydid, se. US
S. curvicauda - Curve-Tailed Bush Katydid, e. NA
S. fasciata - Treetop Bush Katydid, ne. US, south in Appalachians
S. furcata - Fork-Tailed Bush Katydid, US and so. Canada
S. mexicana - Mexican Bush Katydid, so. AZ, so. CA
S. pistillata - Broad-Winged Bush Katydid, N. US, S. Canada
S. septentrionalis - Northern Bush Katydid, ne. US, south in Appalachians, upper Midwest
S. texensis- Texas Bush Katydid, e. NA
S. cuneata: sandhills, coastal plain
S. curvicauda: Fayetteville (sandhills), west
S. furcata: whole state
S. septentrionalis: mountains, July-August
S. texenis: coastal plain, August-October
Internet References
Insects of Cedar Creek (male caudal appendages of
S. curvicauda, S. furcata, S. texensis)
