Greater Arid-Land Katydid (Neobarrettia spinosa)
Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Greater Arid-Land Katydid.
Updated: 6/25/2014; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Greater Arid-Land Katydid
The pink eyes and spiky legs of the enormous Greater Arid-land Katydid make it difficult to miss.
Greater Arid-land Katydids are relatives of the grasshopper. Katydids have long antennae while grasshoppers have shorter ones. They have short wings are are capable of flight. Long hind legs also make them good jumpers. This species preys on smaller insects and flashes brightly patterned hindwings when threatened or disturbed.
They are found in a variety of arid habitats. Desert shrubs like creosote and jojoba as well as cacti are resting places. They have also been seen in woody areas in addition to open fields. The Greater Arid-land Katydid grows large enough to fill the entire hand of an adult. Spikes on its legs may be used to create a species-specific noise which could aid in identifying it. Females have an ovipositor, a long spine-like 'tail', that is used for depositing eggs.
