Insect Order (Orthoptera)
ORTHOPTERA
The order Orthoptera includes Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids with over 20,000 species recorded to date. Approximately 1,200 of these reside across North Amerca making them a relatively common site, particularly in Tennessee. They are mainly recognized for their unique rear legs which allow them to 'hop' but also have four wings (forewings and hindwings). Their mouthparts are designed for chewing plant fibers (though some do feast on deceased insects). Grasshoppers and the related Locust can be identified through their thicker antenna whereas Crickets and Katydids have thinner antennae. Orthopteras are notable in outdoor environments but may find their way into human dwellings on occassion.
Taxonomy
The Taxonomic Breakdown is the scientific way to categorize a partocular insect species from its largest group (Animalia) to its smallest (variable). The Genus and Species categorizations taken together make up the species' scientific name shown above, in this case Scudderia furcata.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Family: Tettigoniidae
Genus: Scudderia
Species: furcata
Characteristics
Abdomen: Has a noticeably large / oversized abdomen.
Antenna: Antenna are noticeably apparent on this insect.
Nocturnal: Most likely to be spotted during night time hours.
Outdoors: Typically found across the great outdoors.
Six-Legged: Six legs are common to this insect.
Winged: Has wings to hop or fly over distance.
Description
The Fork-tailed Bush Katydid has been identified by site users by the following descriptors:
green lime outdoors hopping jumping legs six-legged antenna garden eyes abdomen large winged wings flying flight
Sighting Guide
The general likelihood of encountering this insect based on a given month of the year in the state of Tennessee. Generally, the best sighting months are June through August with peak occurring in July.
Size
Below is a representation of the 'smallest-small' and 'largest-large' sizes commonly associated with the Fork-tailed Bush Katydid. Due to monitor differences, sizes may not be exact on your particular screen. Conversions to millimeters are provided for convenience.
Lowest-Low:
1.42 inches
(36 mm)
Highest-High:
1.97 inches
(50 mm)
Identifying Colors
Below you will find the colors most commonly associated with the Fork-tailed Bush Katydid. Both Primary and Secondary colors are represented in the showcase. Due to monitor differences, colors may not be exact representations.
Tennessee County Reach
The Fork-tailed Bush Katydid can be found in the following Tennessee counties:
Anderson; Bedford; Benton; Bledsoe; Blount; Bradley; Campbell; Cannon; Carroll; Carter; Cheatham; Chester; Claiborne; Clay; Cocke; Coffee; Crockett; Cumberland; Davidson; De Kalb; Decatur; Dickson; Dyer; Fayette; Fentress; Franklin; Gibson; Giles; Grainger; Greene; Grundy; Hamblen; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardeman; Hardin; Hawkins; Haywood; Henderson; Henry; Hickman; Houston; Humphreys; Jackson; Jefferson; Johnson; Knox; Lake; Lauderdale; Lawrence; Lewis; Lincoln; Loudon; Macon; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Maury; McMinn; McNairy; Meigs; Monroe; Montgomery; Moore; Morgan; Obion; Overton; Perry; Pickett; Polk; Putnam; Rhea; Roane; Robertson; Rutherford; Scott; Sequatchie; Sevier; Shelby; Smith; Stewart; Sullivan; Sumner; Tipton; Trousdale; Unicoi; Union; Van Buren; Warren; Washington; Wayne; Weakley; White; Williamson; Wilson
Fork-tailed Bush Katydid Picture (1)
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Image of an adult Fork-tailed Bush Katydid insect at rest showing detail.; Credit: Julie R. of Franklin, TN.
This image is original to
www.InsectIdentification.org; Used with Permission.
