"True" Katydid

Scientific name: Pterophylla spp.
(Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

Facts: The family Tettigoniidae is called longhorned grasshoppers due to their long thin antennae. However, the name katydid is often applied to any member of the family. The "true" katydids are members of the genus Pterophylla. The species in this genus can be difficult to separate so the name best applies to the genus.

"True" katydids are some of the heaviests and largest specimens in the family in Texas. They have wide bodies and typically are found in trees. Their singing at night is characteristic.

Photo credit: Curt Williams