Lesser Pine Katydid
Orchelimum minor
This record describes Orchelimum minor (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Tettigoniidae (Katydids)
- Subfamily
- Conocephalinae
- Tribe
- Conocephalini
- Genus
- Orchelimum (Greater Meadow Katydids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coniferous trees, especially pines. Especially abundant in pine barrens habitats.
Geographic Range
Most of eastern U.S, west to Mississippi, north to NY BugGuide records extend this range to MA.
Seasonal Activity
Nymphs mature in July and adults out until November. Eggs overwinter.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Conifer twigs in the wild, but in captivity will feed on carrots and lettuce.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Orchelimum minor. 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 Lesser Pine Katydid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , JohnMaxwell22 , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Pine Katydid
Where is Lesser Pine Katydid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coniferous trees, especially pines. Especially abundant in pine barrens habitats. |
| Range | Most of eastern U.S, west to Mississippi, north to NY BugGuide records extend this range to MA. |
What does Lesser Pine Katydid eat?
The diet of the Lesser Pine Katydid includes Conifer twigs in the wild, but in captivity will feed on carrots and lettuce..
When is Lesser Pine Katydid active?
Lesser Pine Katydid: seasonal activity - Nymphs mature in July and adults out until November. Eggs overwinter..