Giant Katydid
Stilpnochlora couloniana
This record describes Stilpnochlora couloniana (species). Recorded family: Tettigoniidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Largest katydid in U.S, over 65 mm long. Top margin of tegmen with two sites of significantly increased curvature. Will feed on bramble and oak in captivity.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Tettigoniidae (Katydids)
- Subfamily
- Phaneropterinae
- Genus
- Stilpnochlora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Crowns of deciduous trees. Comes to lights.
Geographic Range
FL and southern GA; also in Caribbean Islands inc. Bahamas and Cuba.
Seasonal Activity
Seems to be present in FL as nymphs and adults year-round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Very young nymphs have "morse code" banding on antennae and very long bowed hind legs Older nymphs often have a black "hourglass" shape on their backs Adult male Adult female Eggs are very similar to eggs of Microcentrum spp.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Stilpnochlora couloniana. 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 Giant Katydid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Ethan Kistler , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Katydid
What is Giant Katydid?
Giant Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana) is a species in the family Tettigoniidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Giant Katydid?
Largest katydid in U.S, over 65 mm long. Top margin of tegmen with two sites of significantly increased curvature.
Where is Giant Katydid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Crowns of deciduous trees. Comes to lights. |
| Range | FL and southern GA; also in Caribbean Islands inc. Bahamas and Cuba. |
When is Giant Katydid active?
Giant Katydid: seasonal activity - Seems to be present in FL as nymphs and adults year-round..
What is the life cycle of a Giant Katydid?
Very young nymphs have morse code banding on antennae and very long bowed hind legs Older nymphs often have a black hourglass shape on their backs Adult male Adult female Eggs are very similar to eggs of Microcentrum spp.