# Oblong-winged Katydid (*Amblycorypha oblongifolia*) The Oblong-winged Katydid is a green insect that loves to hide in grass and bushes. It makes a special sound at night that sounds like music in the garden! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Oblong-winged Katydid](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Amblycorypha_oblongifolia%252C-side_2012-07-26-17.10.53-ZS-PMax.jpg&width=800) Photo: USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amblycorypha_oblongifolia%252C-side_2012-07-26-17.10.53-ZS-PMax.jpg) ## Appearance The Oblong-winged Katydid is a vibrant green insect with a large, somewhat flattened body. Its namesake wings are long and distinctly oblong, perfectly mimicking the shape and veins of a green leaf, making it difficult to spot among foliage. It also has very long, thin antennae. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Tettigoniidae - **Genus:** Amblycorypha ## Interesting facts - Its super-long antennae help it 'see' in the dark by feeling its surroundings. - Katydids chew their food with strong mandibles, like tiny garden shears! - Some people call their song 'katy-did, katy-didn't' because of its rhythm! - When threatened, it might jump away with powerful hind legs, rather than fly. ## Special abilities - **Master of Disguise:** Oblong-winged Katydid has a leaf-shaped body and wings that help them blend perfectly with plants to hide from hungry predators. - **Nighttime Serenade:** Oblong-winged Katydid can rub its wings together to create a loud, buzzing song that helps them attract mates in the darkness. - **Super Listener Legs:** Oblong-winged Katydid has tiny ears located on its front legs that help them detect sounds, including other katydids' songs. - **Egg Planter:** Oblong-winged Katydid can use a special sword-like organ called an ovipositor to neatly deposit eggs into plant stems. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 70-100 mm - **Size:** 35-50 mm - **Lifespan:** 60-120 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This green insect munches on leaves, flowers, and fruits, like a tiny garden gourmet. - **Primary Foods:** Tree leaves, Flower petals, Soft fruits, Grass blades - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — A common bird predator, especially during daylight hours. - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Hunts by echolocation, catching katydids at night. - **Eaten by:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — Catches unwary katydids in its intricate orb webs. - **Eats:** [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) — Feeds on the leaves of this widespread tree species. ## Traits - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch where you step in tall grass to avoid insects. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Oblong-winged Katydid? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Oblong-winged Katydid's wingspan? 70-100 mm ### How big is Oblong-winged Katydid? 35-50 mm ### How long does Oblong-winged Katydid live? 60-120 days ### What does Oblong-winged Katydid eat? This green insect munches on leaves, flowers, and fruits, like a tiny garden gourmet. ### Where is Oblong-winged Katydid usually found? Grasslands ### How does Oblong-winged Katydid hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Oblong-winged Katydid have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Howard County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/howard-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Oblong-winged Katydid: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oblong-winged-katydid)