Episode 13: Common True Katydid – Voice of the Wild
Common True Katydid (Pterophylla camellifolia).
This night-singing insect is commonly heard but seldom seen. It’s a master of disguise, with oblong green wing covers that are almost indistinguishable from a leaf. The camouflage is both necessary and appropriate, that’s because this katydid is very nearly flightless! It’s also arboreal, sticking to the tops of trees where it can hide amongst the foliage to feed.
Do you want to learn more bird songs, frog calls, and insect noises? Join Voice of the Wild every Friday to explore a new wild voice. From time to time, we’ll also do a deep dive into wildlife science, news, and natural history. Voice of the Wild is brought to you by the University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy program.
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Katydid audio clips recorded by Brodie Dunn
Sources and more:
- Common True Katydid. Songs of Insects. Available from http://songsofinsects.com/katydids/common-true-katydid.
- Common True Katydid. Missouri Department of Conservation. Available from https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-true-katydid.
- Common True Katydid (Pterophylla camellifolia). Singing Insects of North America (SINA). Available from https://orthsoc.org/sina/141a.htm.