Showing posts with label SHIELDBACK KATYDID (Thyreonotus corsicus). Show all posts
Showing posts with label SHIELDBACK KATYDID (Thyreonotus corsicus). Show all posts
Tuesday, 22 November 2022
Tuesday, 14 June 2022
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Saturday, 27 November 2021
Monday, 15 November 2021
Wednesday, 1 September 2021
Sunday, 29 November 2020
29-11-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SHIELDBACK KATYDID (Thyreonotus corsicus)
Thyreonotus corsicus is a species belonging to the family Tettigoniidae subfamily Tettigoniinae. It is found in the western Mediterranean from the Iberian Peninsula over the south of France to the southwestern Alps. Isolated populations are found in Corsica and Sardinia.
Shieldbacks have a substantial pronotum that looks like a shield.
They look like tiny armored tanks – rounded, plump, sturdy - but they are not as invulnerable as they appear and can be seriously injured if dropped. It might be a good idea to leave them where you find them (should you be fortunate enough to locate one) and simply watch what they do - including catching and eating other insects. I observed a Protean Shieldback about to grab and eat a male Japanese beetle that was in the process of mating!
They live in woodland edges and shrubby meadows, and their shades of brown blend very well with bark, shrub stems, and dry leaves. These katydids are generally nocturnal and are predators on smaller insects. Although I seldom see or hear them, they seem to mature in the beginning of July.
Their song is an electrical buzzing reminiscent of a humming wire. Although non-native, they mature earlier than our native meadow katydids and don’t seem to be a problem. Listen for them in grassy meadows from later June into July.
The Shieldback Katydid (Thyreonotus corsicus) is a flightless bush cricket native to the western Mediterranean, spanning the Iberian Peninsula, France, and isolated islands like Corsica and Sardinia. Recognized by a massive, saddle-like shield covering its thorax and vestigial wings, this chunky insect plays a vital role in natural pest control.
Key Characteristics & Ecology
Appearance: These katydids measure between 20 to 29 mm in length (excluding the female's prominent, sword-like ovipositor). They exhibit distinct, armored-looking "shields" (pronotums) and come in both green and brown color variations to blend into the shrubbery.
Flightless: Both sexes have reduced, atrophied wings. Because they cannot fly, they rely entirely on climbing and long, powerful legs for navigation.Diet: They are omnivorous and act as important biological controllers. They are highly valued in forestry because they consume the eggs and young caterpillars of the destructive pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa).
Habitat: They thrive in areas with dense, low vegetation like scrublands, maquis, garigue, and open, dry woodlands.
Life Cycle: Adults emerge in late summer (typically July) and are active until November. Females lay eggs singly directly into the soil.
Thursday, 26 November 2020
22-10-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SHIELDBACK KATYDID (Thyreonotus corsicus)
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The Shieldback Katydid (Thyreonotus corsicus) is a species belonging to the family Tettigoniidae subfamily Tettigoniinae. It is found in the western Mediterranean from the Iberian Peninsula over the south of France to the southwestern Alps.
Isolated populations are found in Corsica and Sardinia.
Thursday, 10 October 2019
10-10-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SHIELDBACK KATYDID (Thyreonotus corsicus)
Thyreonotus corsicus is a species belonging to the family Tettigoniidae subfamily Tettigoniinae. It is found in the western Mediterranean from the Iberian Peninsula over the south of France to the southwestern Alps. Isolated populations are found in Corsica and Sardinia.
Habitat:
Thyreonotus corsicus inhabits most often areas with strongly developed vegetation (bushes, dwarf shrubs, grasses) like garigues, scrub, maquis or dry open woodland.
Life cycle:
The adults appear between late June/July and November. The adults often rest in elevated position in bushes such as Buxus or Juniperus.
Remarks:
Thyreonotus corsicus occurs in SW-Europe (Iberian Peninsula, S-France, Corsica and Sardinia).
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