Marin Rose Society

FAST FACTS - KATYDIDS
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

SIGNS

Green, grasshopper-like adult insects with shorter bodies and longer antennae than grasshoppers

Wingless grasshopper-like nymphs that are the same color as the material they are feeding on

Nymphs with black and white banded antennae

Gray, oval 1/8- to 1/4-inch long eggs in two overlapping rows on twigs and leaves Soft chirping sound at night

SYMPTOMS

Chewed edges of leaves, flowers or buds

Holes in leaves, flowers or buds

Chewed leaves on citrus or stone fruits; gray scar tissue on citrus fruit

CAUSE

Katydids, belonging to the family Tettigoniidae

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS

Nymphs appear in April and May and require 2 to 3 months to mature

Produce one generation a year

Generally feed at night

Fly at night and hide in long grasses near the plants they feed on during the day

TREATMENT

Prevention:

Remove long grass around affected plants to eliminate hiding places
Encourage biological control by attracting their predators to the garden – bats, birds and snakes

Elimination:

Elimination is generally not necessary

GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?

This guy is most often just a nuisance and doesn’t cause significant damage

The photo of the Katydid is by Baldo Villegas from the extraordinary website: http://members.tripod.com/buggyrose/irosepests.htm

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FAST FACTS - KATYDIDS by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

FAST FACTS - KATYDIDS
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian