General Description

A large, green, gangly insect with very long, thin hind legs, very long, wispy antennae and triangular head with downward-pointing mouthparts. Adults are winged; the green fore wings closely resemble leaves; they form a roof-like covering overlaying the abdomen and bear a network of paler veins, the outermost of which may be pink or yellow. The tip of the abdomen may also be pink or yellow. The female is stockier than the male, and her abdomen ends in a prominent egg-laying tube (ovipositor) shaped like an upcurved spike. Juveniles (nymphs) lack wings and may be green, brown or bright pink, generally mottled with darker and paler flecks. Adult body-length to 4 cm.

Biology

Insects in the cricket family Tettigoniidae are commonly called katydids or bush crickets. Adults and nymphs are primarily herbivorous, eating young foliage and petals. They seem to match their colour to suit their background (or vice versa), and rely on their camouflage for protection; they can also use their powerful hind legs to jump out of danger's way. Males have stridulatory organs on their wings, producing an audible but feeble chirping call on warm evenings to attract mates. The female uses her ovipositor to lay eggs in plant-stems.

Distribution

Australia.

Habitat

Lives amongst foliage, and found almost anywhere where trees or bushes grow, particularly regrowth areas and established gardens.

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