Family: Tettigoniidae, Long-horned Grasshoppers and Katydids view all from this family

Description The Chapparal Katydid is a member of the family Tettigoniidae. These large insects, 1/2-3" (14-75 mm) long, have extremely long antennae and 4-segmented tarsi. Males have flat, round hearing organs called tympana located at the base of the front tibiae. Females have flat, swordlike ovipositors. Most katydids are green. Many members of this large family are known for their songs, especially the katydid with its shrill katy-DID-katy-DIDN'T. Most live in forest trees and shrubs, where they feed on leaves. A few species prey on insects. Eggs are inserted into plant tissues, where they usually overwinter.