Swift Conehead
Neoconocephalus velox
This record describes Neoconocephalus velox (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
See comments on images.
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
Undergrowth of forests
Geographic Range
Southeastern U.S.
Seasonal Activity
June - July
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Neoconocephalus velox. 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 Swift Conehead (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ethan Kistler
Frequently Asked Questions About Swift Conehead
How big is Swift Conehead?
Males 52-61 mm, females 62-67 mm
How do you identify Swift Conehead?
See comments on images.
Where is Swift Conehead found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Undergrowth of forests |
| Range | Southeastern U.S. |
When is Swift Conehead active?
Swift Conehead: seasonal activity - June - July.