After work by researchers who analyzed songs of tree crickets in multiple states, it is now generally accepted that greenish tree crickets with dark on the antennae, head, pronotum and/or limbs - that are west of Ohio - are Forbes' tree crickets instead of Black-horned.

(This much black rules out Prairie tree cricket)

After work by researchers who analyzed songs of tree crickets in multiple states, it is now generally accepted that greenish tree crickets with dark on the antennae, head, pronotum and/or limbs - that are west of Ohio - are Forbes' tree crickets.

(This much black rules out Prairie tree cricket)

Moved from Black-horned Tree Cricket.

The degree of black on these two species (O. forbesi and O. nigricornis) can vary greatly, and the antennal markings also vary within their own species. Apparently the only way to know for certain which is which is by the pulse rate of the song of a male at a known temperature.

Regarding the difficulty in separating O. nigricornis from O. forbesi based on photographs: A gal who has done extensive studying of tree crickets (including song analysis, mating trials, and DNA sequencing) once wrote to me: In the eastern United States, I have found O. nigricornis, but not O. forbesi (in NJ and three sites in NY). In Ohio, I have found both O. forbesi and O. nigricornis in the same field, although the sites where I have found this have been in eastern Ohio (Akron and Canton). In central Ohio (Columbus area) and west from there, I have found O. forbesi but not O. nigricornis (OH, IL, WI, MI, IN, SD).

It's probably wise to use this broad range for now in separating the two species. Unless something is clearly outside the area encompassing the states of OH, IL, WI, MI, IN, SD -- photos should probably go in the nigricornis vs forbesi taxon page.

Moved from Common Tree Crickets. Although there is a slight chance this could be Forbes' tree cricket - I'm placing it in O. nigricornis due to the deep black limbs and head.