Narrow-winged Tree Cricket
Oecanthus niveus
This record describes Oecanthus niveus (species). Recorded family: Oecanthidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
O. niveus can be ID'd by the markings on the first two segments of the antennae. The first segment (the scape) has a thick black ' J ' atop a white field. The second segment (the pedicel) has a small black mark against a white field. The vertex of the head is a reddish orange which sometimes extends down into the pronotum - otherwise a dark strip runs down the center of the pronotum. The antennae and limbs are pale. The body is green - and the wings usually give the female's body a 'marbled' appearance. A great source for 'everything you ever wanted to know about tree crickets' is The Tree Crickets of New York: Life History and Bionomics
Wikipedia reference for Oecanthus niveus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oecanthus_niveus.
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
Habitat
Narrow-winged Tree Crickets commonly dwell in trees. They can be found in a variety of settings including man-made structures and are attracted to lights. They are rarely found close to the ground, but can be found on very tall plants.
Geographic Range
TX-FL-MA-SD / ON-PQ - Map - SINA BugGuide records extend this range to Maine.
Seasonal Activity
Tend to hatch in June and mate from August to November -- but depends on location.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Undergo a paurometabolous development (Gradual Metamorphosis). Nymphs resemble small adults and gradually develop external wing buds. They live in the same habitat as adults, typically taking the same food. Click on an image to view the life cycle:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: nive - Latin for snowy
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Oecanthus niveus. 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 Narrow-winged Tree Cricket (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , David Ferguson , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy , James Bailey , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrow-winged Tree Cricket
What is Narrow-winged Tree Cricket?
Narrow-winged Tree Cricket (Oecanthus niveus) is a species in the family Oecanthidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Narrow-winged Tree Cricket?
Length 13–16 mm - SINA
How do you identify Narrow-winged Tree Cricket?
O. niveus can be ID'd by the markings on the first two segments of the antennae. The first segment (the scape) has a thick black ' J ' atop a white field. The second segment (the pedicel) has a small black mark against a white field. The vertex of the head is a reddish orange which sometimes extends down into the pronotum - otherwise a dark strip runs down the center of the pronotum. The antennae and limbs are pale. The body is green - and the wings usually give the female's body a 'marbled' appearance.
Where is Narrow-winged Tree Cricket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Narrow-winged Tree Crickets commonly dwell in trees. They can be found in a variety of settings including man-made structures and are attracted to lights. They are rarely found close to the ground, but can be found on very tall plants. |
| Range | TX-FL-MA-SD / ON-PQ - Map - SINA BugGuide records extend this range to Maine. |
When is Narrow-winged Tree Cricket active?
Narrow-winged Tree Cricket: seasonal activity - Tend to hatch in June and mate from August to November -- but depends on location..
What is the life cycle of a Narrow-winged Tree Cricket?
Undergo a paurometabolous development (Gradual Metamorphosis). Nymphs resemble small adults and gradually develop external wing buds. They live in the same habitat as adults, typically taking the same food. Click on an image to view the life cycle: