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
Photo by Baldo Villegas