Chisos Katydid
Paracyrtophyllus excelsus
This record describes Paracyrtophyllus excelsus (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Texas Parks & Wildlife considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Tettigoniidae (Katydids)
- Subfamily
- Pseudophyllinae
- Genus
- Paracyrtophyllus (Western True Katydids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common in low scattered oaks, Quercus emoryi
Geographic Range
Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co., Texas - Map - SINA
Seasonal Activity
July to Oct
Diet and Behavior
Life History
rather fearless and easily taken when located
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Paracyrtophyllus excelsus. 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 Chisos Katydid (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chisos Katydid
What is Chisos Katydid?
Chisos Katydid (Paracyrtophyllus excelsus) is a species in the family Tettigoniidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Chisos Katydid?
35-44 mm
Where is Chisos Katydid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in low scattered oaks, Quercus emoryi |
| Range | Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Brewster Co., Texas - Map - SINA |
When is Chisos Katydid active?
Chisos Katydid: seasonal activity - July to Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Chisos Katydid?
rather fearless and easily taken when located