Florida True Katydid
Lea floridensis
This record describes Lea floridensis (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species occurs in two color phases--pinkish-brown and green. The pinkish-brown phase is more prevalent in females (30%) than in males (10%). Unlike Paracyrtophyllus robustus , the only other U.S. species of true katydid known to have a pinkish form, those of Lea floridensis are not associated with outbreak populations. - SINA
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Tettigoniidae (Katydids)
- Subfamily
- Pseudophyllinae
- Genus
- Lea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Scrubby oaks, Palmettos, and vine-covered undergrowth habitats. - SINA
Geographic Range
FL-GA - Map - SINA
Seasonal Activity
June - September (n. FL data) - SINA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Caged individuals of this species ate leaves of dwarf live oak - Quercus minima - SINA
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Lea floridensis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Orthoptera includes ~28,000 described species of grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. Desert locusts can form swarms covering 460 square miles containing up to 80 million individuals per square kilometer.
Ecological role of the group
Grasshoppers and crickets are a primary food source for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Cricket farming is a growing industry - crickets require 12× less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein, using 2,000× less water.
Economic and practical significance of the group
A single large locust swarm can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people. The 2019-2021 East Africa locust crisis affected food security for 42 million people across multiple countries. Global crop losses from locusts can reach billions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, UN World Food Programme, research publications. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Florida True Katydid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Ethan Kistler , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida True Katydid
What is Florida True Katydid?
Florida True Katydid (Lea floridensis) is a species in the family Tettigoniidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Florida True Katydid?
41-49 mm - SINA
Where is Florida True Katydid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Scrubby oaks, Palmettos, and vine-covered undergrowth habitats. - SINA |
| Range | FL-GA - Map - SINA |
What does Florida True Katydid eat?
The diet of the Florida True Katydid includes Caged individuals of this species ate leaves of dwarf live oak - Quercus minima - SINA.
When is Florida True Katydid active?
Florida True Katydid: seasonal activity - June - September (n. FL data) - SINA.