Fast-calling Tree Cricket
Oecanthus celerinictus
This record describes Oecanthus celerinictus (species). Recorded family: Oecanthidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Oecanthidae (Tree and Bush Crickets)
- Subfamily
- Oecanthinae
- Genus
- Oecanthus (Common Tree Crickets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern TX to FL, north to NJ
Seasonal Activity
In central Texas, spring and fall seasons.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Frequently found on Oenothera curtiflora (Onagraceae); eats leaves and blossoms/fruits of native plants.
Life History
For detailed information on life cycle and rearing, please see Raising Oecanthinae (tree crickets) . Oecanthus celerinictus emerging from egg:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: celer (Latin) = quick; nict (Latin) = wink.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Oecanthus celerinictus. 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 Fast-calling Tree Cricket (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Wisconsin Oecanthinancy; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , metrioptera , dvoribird
Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-calling Tree Cricket
Where is Fast-calling Tree Cricket found?
Range: Eastern TX to FL, north to NJ
What does Fast-calling Tree Cricket eat?
The diet of the Fast-calling Tree Cricket includes Frequently found on Oenothera curtiflora (Onagraceae); eats leaves and blossoms/fruits of native plants..
When is Fast-calling Tree Cricket active?
Fast-calling Tree Cricket: seasonal activity - In central Texas, spring and fall seasons..
What is the life cycle of a Fast-calling Tree Cricket?
For detailed information on life cycle and rearing, please see Raising Oecanthinae (tree crickets) . Oecanthus celerinictus emerging from egg: