Black-nosed Conehead
Neoconocephalus melanorhinus
This record describes Neoconocephalus melanorhinus (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female ovipositor almost as long as hind femur, but not reaching end of folded wings (which are very long). Cone on head a little longer than broad, tapering toward broad rounded tip, almost entirely black on under side.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Tettigoniidae (Katydids)
- Subfamily
- Conocephalinae
- Tribe
- Copiphorini
- Genus
- Neoconocephalus (Common Coneheads)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy tidal flats, along coast from Louisiana to New Jersey.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Neoconocephalus melanorhinus. 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 Black-nosed Conehead (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-nosed Conehead
What is Black-nosed Conehead?
Black-nosed Conehead (Neoconocephalus melanorhinus) is a species in the family Tettigoniidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Black-nosed Conehead?
41-65 mm (Florida specimens larger--SINA)
How do you identify Black-nosed Conehead?
Female ovipositor almost as long as hind femur, but not reaching end of folded wings (which are very long). Cone on head a little longer than broad, tapering toward broad rounded tip, almost entirely black on under side.
Where is Black-nosed Conehead found?
Habitat: Grassy tidal flats, along coast from Louisiana to New Jersey.