Orchelimum vulgare

Orchelimum vulgare, otherwise known as the common meadow katydid, is a species of Orthoptera found in the central and eastern regions of North America. They are active from midsummer to fall.[1][2]

Orchelimum vulgare
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Orthoptera
Family:
Tettigoniidae
Genus:
Orchelimum
Species:
O. vulgare
Binomial name
Orchelimum vulgare
(Harris, 1841)
Synonyms[1]
  • Orchelimum cuticulare Serville, 1838
  • Xiphidium vulgare Harris, 1841
  • Xiphidium glaberrimum Burmeister, 1838

Distribution and habitat

Orchelimum vulgare is distributed across much of North America. They prefer fields and low meadows, where they perch on clumps of grass. They adapt best in moderate temperature climates, and cannot handle extreme heat or humidity.[3]

Identification

Orchelimum vulgare can be characterized by their red eyes, green faces, and a distinctly curved ovipositor.[4] They have green bodies and brown legs that allow for them to camouflage themselves with their environment. Two black lines can be found on their dorsal shield. The size ranges from 22–40 millimetres (0.87–1.57 in) with the females being larger than the males.[3][4]

Diet

This species is known to consume a variety of plant species. It has even been recorded eating other Orthoptera.[3]

Ecology

Orchelimum vulgare like most katydids, functions as a food source for other organisms.[3]

References
  1. "Orechelimum vulgare". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  2. Cotinis (6 October 2019). "Species Orchelimum vulgare - Common Meadow Katydid". BugGuide. Iowa State University. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  3. Rainey, Katherine (2002). Fabritius, Stephanie (ed.). "Orchelimum vulgare". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  4. Capinera, John L.; Scott, Ralph D.; Walker, Thomas J. (2004). Field Guide to Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets of the United States. United States of America: Cornell University Press. p. 179. ISBN 9780801489488.

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