The Katydid Is a Vibrant Master of Disguise (and Nocturnal!)

Katydid nymphs hatch in the early summer. sandra standbridge / Getty Images

Is that katydid a leaf? Is it an insect? Is it singing to you on a warm summer night? The answer to all of these is yes! Closely related to crickets and grasshoppers, there are over 6,000 katydid species worldwide. These masters of disguise are commonly heard but rarely seen.

Not all katydids are the same — some, like the fork-tailed bush katydid, have long wings, while others, like the black-legged meadow katydid, have short wings and are poor flyers.

Katydid songs fill the air in late summer and early fall, as male katydids use their front wings to attract females. In many species, the sexes form duets, creating a continuous chorus that varies with ambient temperature.

Camouflage and Survival

Katydids (sometimes called bush crickets) are famous for their ability to blend into their surroundings. Their green, leaf-like wings provide excellent camouflage among foliage, helping them avoid predation from birds, spiders and other insects.

Wing form varies widely between katydid species. Some species even have wing designs that mimic twigs or grass stems.

Katydid nymphs look just like miniature versions of the adults, developing their wings as they mature. Their long, thin antennae help them navigate their environment, while their hind legs allow them to hop like long-horned grasshoppers.

While most katydids are green in color, some varieties like the oblong winged katydid can come in beautiful shades of pink, yellow or orange.

Katydid Songs: Nature’s Summer Soundtrack

Male katydids produce their distinctive songs by rubbing their front wings together, much like crickets. The common true katydid creates a rhythmic "katy did, katy didn’t" sound, giving this insect its famous name. Other species, like meadow katydids and bush katydids, produce continuous songs that vary in pitch and tempo.

Hearing organs located on their front legs allow katydids to detect sounds from potential mates or predators. Healthier males tend to have stronger, more frequent calls, making their songs an important factor in attracting females.

Life Cycle and Development

Katydids lay their eggs on plants, grass stems and tree bark, where they remain through the winter. In early summer, katydid nymphs hatch and begin their journey toward adulthood. These young insects are wingless at first but develop their wing form over time.

The body length of adult katydids varies by species, with some growing up to three inches long. Many species have sickle-shaped ovipositors for laying eggs, an adaptation seen in female katydids to deposit eggs safely into plant tissue.

Katydids' Place in the Ecosystem

As an important food source for birds, katydids play a key role in the food chain. They also help control plant populations by feeding on leaves, flowers and other plant material.

Some species even eat other insects, making them valuable in maintaining ecological balance.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.