A green insect that looks like a bit like leaves?

20 years ago

A short while ago, I was in my backyard watering my elephant ears when suddenly I realized that this was a bug and not a crumpled leaf. I was suddenly surprised that I ran in and got a digital camera.

I did a search online and didn't find anything so I pretty much gave up. I figured it was one of those rare bugs that just pop up and disappear and no one would quite know what it was.

Until tonight when I saw two!

Bad picture since it was taken at night:

Does anyone have any idea on what they are? I thought maybe it could be a type of grasshopper but even that search isn't bringing anything up.

It's incredibly neat how the body looks like a leaf was folded in the right places.

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victoria_1573_msn_com

15 years ago

I was watering my hibiscus when I saw this green bug that was at least 2 1/2" long with big hind legs for hopping and a flat, almost square head. I plucked it off my bush and it flew away! Are they harmful to gardens? Or are they good for a garden?

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Comments (14)

gardeningfireman
20 years ago
Dragonstone,
Those are katydids. We have them all over. That is what you hear calling at night- the two to three syllable calls.
chuckr30
19 years ago
They make a rough sound, kind of like when you run a comb on your fingernails. It sounds like "zz-zz-zz" or "ka-ty-did".
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carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
15 years ago
They eat leaves, but not a lot, IMPE - tend to be nocturnal, I believe.
jlgons_gmail_com
15 years ago
hey guys I got a good one! I have seen 3 of the beautiful katydids recently. is it legal to kill them? sorry I forgot to take a picture..
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
15 years ago
Is it LEGAL to kill katydids? Ummm...no, they are not protected by the Department of Natural Resources. It's just senseless to kill them, not illegal.
reena_naidoo
10 years ago
It's amazing! Just found one in my lounge today
Chuck Roberts
10 years ago
Katydids usually hide up in trees and do not come out, so I don't see them very often. They can get this virus which turns them brilliant lavender. I think the virus eventually kills them.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
Chuck, I'm interested in information about the virus that affects katydids. Can you lead me to literature/websites?

I am aware of genetic mutations and even purple morphs, but not a virus.
Chuck Roberts
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
A little info on the iridovirus and sowbugs: http://arachnoboards.com/threads/purple-pill-bugs.78150/

Woodlouse and iridovirus: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2009/07/13/sowbug-infected-with-iridovirus/

Google image search: Here

The iridovirus affects katydids and some grasshoppers too. You can search for iridovirus and katydids now that you know the virus name.
zzackey
10 years ago
I just found out they don't nibble on leaves. I thought they did. I found one last year near my nibbled strawberry leaves.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I can't imagine where you saw that they don't feed on plants (leaves and fruit), zzackey. That's exactly what they eat. There are some predatory species in other parts of the world, but won't be found here.

In most situations, they aren't considered a major pest, but they are known to be a problem to citrus and other tree fruits. As mentioned earlier in this thread, they are more likely to be found in the tops of deciduous trees, munching away.
brandy ruby
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
This is on the unit next to my bfs unit at the storage unit wat is it

Wat is it
HU-229663225
4 years ago
They like to land in my hair at night. you think they want to make a nest. I like them but sometimes they scare the poop out of me!