This is one of the largest katydids and can be as long as 2 inches (50 mm). It can be identified by its size and the oblong wings with light colored veins running parallel to the length of the wings. The females are uniformly colored green and the male is green except for the brown stridulatory organ on the top of the thorax used for making his mating calls, a low volume, hight pitched zi-zit. The usual color for this katydid is green but they are occasionally pink, yellow and orange. These colors come from a genetic mutation, similar to albinism, called erythrism (photo 2).
The Oblong-winged Katydid ranges throughout the eastern United States west to the great plains. This katydid is thought to be common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It can be seen from late-June into September in shrubby fields and around forest edges.
The female of this species lays her eggs in the soil. The eggs may not hatch for up to two years in our area.
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