Genus Neobarrettia
Arid-land katydids
Key to genera of predaceous katydids (Tettigoniinae).
Members of this genus, formerly know as Rehnia, are formidable predators. The two North America species live in arid areas of the Southwest.
Forewings well developed but shorter than abdomen. Forelegs adapted to seizing prey as evidenced by their being longer than the middle legs and having prominent spines along both lower edges of the femur and tibia. Length 25-52 mm.
Identification of species
The Greater Arid-land katydid (N. spinosa) is of course larger than the lesser one (N. victoria): length 34-45 vs. 25-32 mm for males and 44-52 vs 31-37 mm for females. The front edge of the pronotum of N. spinosa is black, whereas that of N. victoria is green.
Remarks
These katydids do not necessarily retreat when molested and will assume a threating pose with bright wings flared, mandibles opened wide, and spiny forelegs raised high. If given the opportunity, they may attack and draw blood--not your average katydid!
References: Cohn 1957, 1965.
Map and pictures of Greater Arid-land or Giant Red-eyed Spiny Katydid (Neobarrettia spinosa)
Map and pictures of Lesser Arid-land Katydid (Neobarrettia victoriae)
And finally, a couple of amusing and fascinating testimonials on Neobarrettia spinosa.
---
Now for the questions.
1) what is the lifecycle of these amazing creatures?
2) and what is their care requirements?
I am going to get some N. spinosa in July and anticipating them with bated breathe. This could be the dawn of a great love affair.
Arid-land katydids
Key to genera of predaceous katydids (Tettigoniinae).
Members of this genus, formerly know as Rehnia, are formidable predators. The two North America species live in arid areas of the Southwest.
Forewings well developed but shorter than abdomen. Forelegs adapted to seizing prey as evidenced by their being longer than the middle legs and having prominent spines along both lower edges of the femur and tibia. Length 25-52 mm.
Identification of species
The Greater Arid-land katydid (N. spinosa) is of course larger than the lesser one (N. victoria): length 34-45 vs. 25-32 mm for males and 44-52 vs 31-37 mm for females. The front edge of the pronotum of N. spinosa is black, whereas that of N. victoria is green.
Remarks
These katydids do not necessarily retreat when molested and will assume a threating pose with bright wings flared, mandibles opened wide, and spiny forelegs raised high. If given the opportunity, they may attack and draw blood--not your average katydid!
References: Cohn 1957, 1965.
Map and pictures of Greater Arid-land or Giant Red-eyed Spiny Katydid (Neobarrettia spinosa)
Map and pictures of Lesser Arid-land Katydid (Neobarrettia victoriae)
And finally, a couple of amusing and fascinating testimonials on Neobarrettia spinosa.
---
Now for the questions.
1) what is the lifecycle of these amazing creatures?
2) and what is their care requirements?
I am going to get some N. spinosa in July and anticipating them with bated breathe. This could be the dawn of a great love affair.
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