Shield-backed Katydid
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Shield-backed Katydids usually get descried as large, short-winged katydids with a shield-like pronotum extending over the base of the abdomen.
Females are recognized by a long, sometimes curved ovipositor, that resembles a sword.
Over one hundred and twenty different Shield-backed species have been identified in the United States, most having a very limited geographic range. Perhaps the Mormon Cricket (Anabrus simplex) is the best known and widest ranging, with a territory that covers most of North American, west of the Rocky Mountains.
Shield-backed Katydids tend to be ground katydids, often active, and therefore visible, during the day. Females normally lay their eggs in the soil. Most species are at least partly carnivorous.
© 2010. Patricia A. Michaels