Songs of Insects

Handsome Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum pulchellum)

Song of a Handsome Meadow Katydid (scroll down for explanation and additional recordings!).

The Handsome Meadow Katydid is striking to behold, just as its common name implies. With bluish eyes, a pale face with red markings, vibrant green and turquoise on the body and wings, legs that are light yellow near the body and dark reddish brown toward the feet — this is one gorgeous insect. Found primarily in coastal plain habitats from New Jersey to Mississippi. Prefers damp areas with tall grasses, coarse weeds, and woody vegetation.
 
 

Left cercus from above.

Handsome Meadow Katydid

Handsome Meadow Katydids range from New Jersey south within the piedmont through Florida and west to eastern Mississippi.

Song: A rapid burst of ticks followed by a loud, buzzy trill, extending from 5–20 kHz. Easy to hear. Large numbers of males are present in optimal habitat, and their cacophony can overwhelm the listener. When disturbed, most of the males in an area will immediately stop singing and hide by moving behind their perch. Sings both day and night.
 
Sonogram of a Handsome Meadow Katydid. © Wil Hershberger.