Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Orchelimum erythrocephalum Davis, W.T., 1905. Synonyms:
Orchelimum glaberrimum (Burmeister) (
synonym list at SINA)
Size
Body length 20-27 mm, not counting ovipositor in females. Body length to end of folded wings about 33 mm in males.
Identification
Coloration typically green with reddish highlights, including a (usually) bright red head in both sexes. Eyes light blue. Red head is (apparently?) distinctive in this genus, however some specimens do not show a bright red head. In those cases compare O. vulgare.
Range
Southeastern United States. Connecticut south along coastal plain and Piedmont, though Carolinas to Florida, west to southern Tennessee, Louisiana, eastern Texas.
Season
Late summer and early fall. August-frost (eastern North Carolina), August-October (north Florida).
Food
Primarily herbivores, but also somewhat predatory--see genus account.
Life Cycle
Presumably one generation per year. See genus account.
Print References
Brimley, p. 20, O. glaberrimum
(1)
Capinera, p. 178--cerci, p. 179--map, description
(2)
Rehn JAG, Hebard M. 1915a. Studies in American Tettigoniidae. IV. A synopsis of the species of the genus Orchelimum. Trans. Am. Entomol. Soc. 41: 11-83. See
references at SINA for a pdf version.
Internet References
Singing Insects of North America--
red-headed meadow katydid--species account, including song, phenology.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 2 October, 2004 - 11:33pm
Last updated 4 September, 2010 - 1:03pm
