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BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species, Polistes dominula, European paper wasp: INFORMATION

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BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species

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Honeybees are relatively quiet and almost cute as they go about their work. Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets, on the other hand, are noisy and aggressive. People don't like them because they build nests near homes and can damage shrubs and trees. Mostly, though, people are afraid of their painful stings.

But wasps have a useful purpose. Wasps are fierce predators and they hunt and eat almost every insect pest that harms crops. Wasps eat grasshoppers, aphids, flies and other bees. They also eat nectar, tree sap and fruit. Some wasps eat human food, which is why they can be a nuisance at picnics.

Fun Facts About Wasps for Kids

Wasps live everywhere but Antarctica.

Wasps can sting over and over again.

Wasps make nests from paper. They chew up strips of bark and spit it out again to form a rough paper. Some wasps make nests in basements, sheds or dark, cool places.

A queen starts a new colony each spring. She raises a few worker wasps first to make the nest larger and bring food. Then she starts laying eggs. A colony can grow to 50,000 wasps in one summer.

In the fall, all the wasps die except for a few new queens. The new queens spend the winter in an old log or burrow. In the spring, they make new colonies.

Wasp Vocabulary

Learn More All About Wasps

Have a look at this cool documentary video about Japanese hornets:

A documentary of the wild lives of the Japanese hornets.

Wasp Q&A

Question: Do all wasps live in colonies?

Answer: Some wasps live alone.

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Question: Do wasps make honey?

Answer: Only honeybees make honey.

Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website all about Wasps info? Take the FREE & fun Wasps quiz and download FREE Wasps worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.

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Honeybees are relatively quiet and almost cute as they go about their work. Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets, on the other hand, are noisy and aggressive. People don't like them because they build nests near homes and can damage shrubs and trees. Mostly, though, people are afraid of their painful stings.

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The life cycle of a house fly begins in the egg stage. A female house fly is capable of laying up to 150 eggs in a batch. Over a period of a few days, she will produce five or six batches of eggs. Female house flies favor damp, dark surfaces such as compost, manure and other decomposing organic material for egg laying. House fly eggs resemble individual grains of rice.

Within a day, house fly eggs hatch into larvae, also known as maggots. Maggots are legless, white insects that feed from the egg-laying site for three to five days. During this time, maggots molt several times. They then choose a dark place to pupate.

Fly pupae are similar in function to butterfly cocoons: their hard, brown shells protect the inactive, developing flies. Over the course of three to six days, the pupae develop legs and wings, ultimately emerging as full-grown house flies. Within two to three days, female house flies are capable of reproduction.

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Life Cycle of Housefly: Life Stages & Phases of House Flies

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The life cycle of a house fly begins in the egg stage. A female house fly is capable of laying up to 150 eggs in a batch. Over a period of a few days, she will produce five or six ... Continue reading →

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Although the name ​ millipede ​ means "one thousand feet" and the small invertebrates may appear to have hundreds, most millipedes actually have fewer than 100 feet. There are about 1,400 types of millipedes in the United States and Canada, and about 7,000 across the world. Millipedes are mostly harmless, and they break down dead plants and improve the soil. They don't bite, but you shouldn't pick up a millipede with your bare hands because they can release a chemical that irritates skin.

Millipedes look like insects or worms, but they're more closely related to crayfish, lobsters and shrimps. Most millipedes have round, segmented bodies, and nearly all the segments have two legs. The segments at the front and rear of their bodies have no legs, and the first three segments have one pair of legs.

The known greatest number of legs on a millipede is 750, while the lowest known number is 22. A hard outer shell called an ​ exoskeleton ​ protects most millipedes, and brown or black are common millipede colors. A brightly colored millipede is a sign to predators that it gives off bad smells or toxic chemicals.

The smallest millipedes are three mm (0.1 inches) and the largest millipedes can reach 305 mm (12 inches). At the bases of millipede antennae are structures called ​ Tömösváry organs ​, which help them sense what's happening around them. Most millipedes also have eyes on the sides of the head.

Millipedes are nocturnal and live in dark, damp places. During the day, they live under leaf litter, rotting logs and rocks, where they're protected from very hot or cold temperatures and predators. When they come out at night, they feed on dead and decaying vegetation and wood.

Where there are many millipedes, they sometimes cause problems in gardens by eating seedlings. Some types of millipedes also eat dead animals such as snails, and some eat living plants. Millipedes are good at burrowing, and their many legs cause them to walk in a wavelike pattern. Compared to the similar-looking centipede, millipedes are slow moving.

The life span for millipedes is between seven and ten years, and after two to five years, they're ready to reproduce. Male millipedes appear not to have legs on either the seventh or the last ring of the bodies, and in some male millipedes, the legs are actually folded into the body and help form reproductive structures.

In females, the sex organs are behind the second pair of legs. After mating, most female millipedes lay 20 to 30 eggs in warm soil, although some give birth to live baby millipedes. Legless larvae hatch from the eggs.

Millipedes lose their hard shell when they grow larger. This is called ​ molting ​. At the first molt, millipede larvae develop legs, and at each molt the number of segments increases. Millipedes eat their old exoskeleton after molting to avoid wasting a valuable source of food.

Among the largest types of millipedes are the North American millipede and the giant African millipede. The North American millipede grows up to ten cm (3.9 inches) long, and is dark reddish-brown or black with a red line on each segment. Females lay a single egg in a nest of regurgitated food, and wrap themselves around it to incubate the egg.

Giant African millipedes are the world's largest known millipedes, growing up to 30.5 cm (12 inches) long. They live in rain forests and have 30 to 40 segments.

Another fascinating group of millipedes are those belonging to the genus ​ Motyxia.​ Millipedes in the genus ​ Motyxia​ live in mountainous areas of California. They are ​ bioluminescent​ and glow greenish-blue at night, which may be a way for these types of millipedes to scare off predators.

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Millipedes are (mostly) harmless small invertebrates that appear to have hundreds of feet, and they break down dead plants and improve the soil. They don't bite, but you shouldn't pick up a millipede with your bare hands because they can release a chemical that irritates skin.

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Roll away with our fab facts about this bonkers bug!

Here at NG KiDS, we love the wonderful world of insects - and we know our readers do, too! So join us we get the lowdown on one of our planet's coolest creepy crawlies with these awesome dung beetle facts!

Fast dung beetle facts

Phylum: Arthropoda
Family name: Scarabaeidae
Classification: Insect
IUCN status: Least concern
Lifespan (in wild): 3 years
Body length: 0.5cm-3cm
Diet: Dung
Habitat: Grassland and forest.
Range:

Dung beetles have dark, round bodies, six legs and long flying wings folded under hard, protective covers. Some male dung beetles have strong horns on their heads, too. Found worldwide on every continent except Antartica, these brilliant bugs live in habitats ranging from hot, dry deserts to lush forests. And any ideas what these insects like to eat? Yup, you guessed it...dung or animal poop, as you might call it.

There are three main types of dung beetle - rollers, tunnellers and dwellers - each named for the way the way the beetles use the poop they find. Rollers shape dung into balls and roll them away from the pile. They then burry the ball to either munch on later or to use as a place to lay their eggs. Tunnellers dive into the dung pile, usually working in a 'male-female' pair, and dig a tunnel beneath it. The female beetle then stays in the tunnel sorting out the dung brought down by the male. Dwellers, on the other hand, simply live inside the pooey pile. Female dwellers lay their eggs there, and when the larvae (or young) hatch they happily munch away on the food that surrounds them. Nom nom nom!

So, why would a insect want to eat poo? It's an interesting question, eh? Well, when an animal (such as an elephant, cow or rhino) munches on some tasty grub, there are always parts of the food that pass through its body undigested, and end up in its dung. Its these nutritious bits of undigested food that dung beetles tuck into. Larvae eat the solid poop, while the adult beetles generally suck up the nutritious moisture found inside the dung.

These cool critters may be small, but boy are they are they mighty! In fact, in relation to its size the dung beetle is not only the world's strongest insect - it's the world's strongest animal! When moving balls of dung, a roller can pull a whopping 1,141 times its own bodyweight - that's the same as a human dragging six full double-decker busses along a road! Male dung beetles also use their colossal strength to fight, locking horns to push and pull rivals out of the way when they're grappling for a female's attention. Wow!

Credits - Dung beetle on a dung ball: Beverly Joubert. Motion shot of dung beetle rolling a dung ball: Chris Johns. Dung beetle with dung ball by leaves: Tim Laman.

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Dung beetle facts for kids | National Geographic Kids

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Roll away with our fab facts about this bonkers bug! Here at NG KiDS, we love the wonderful world of insects - and we know our readers do, too! So join us we get the lowdown on one of our planet's coolest creepy crawlies with these awesome dung beetle facts!

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Videos for Kids -- National Geographic Kids

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Historically, Lady Beetles, were recognized as a beneficial insect because of their diet. They are known to eat aphids and other plant-harming insects, making them a welcome ally in a garden or farm. This entire family of beetles was therefore 'dedicated' to 'Our Lady' in appreciation for their aid in growing food. They are called ladybugs in the U.S. and ladybirds in the U.K.. Despite working wonders to clear pests from the garden, however, the exotic Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle has become somewhat of a pest itself.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 2/2/2018; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

The Asian Mulitcolored Lady Beetle is exceptionally good at spreading out, maiming blossoms, and permanently taking over native territories.

This species of Lady Beetle is actually native to China, Japan and eastern Russia. It is believed to have been introduced to North America in the late 1970's. This species is hardy and fecund, adapting to a variety of habitats and temperature ranges. Hence, it is beginning to replace the native North American species of lady beetles across the continent, taking over territories once home to native beetles.

The vexation doesn't end there. In addition to the subjugating native territory, this species overwinters in clusters, usually in warm buildings (homes, offices), where a few can make their way in from the exterior walls into the building's interior. They can emit a pungent odor (as a defense against predators) which, en masse, can create an unappealing smell in the area of the building where they congregate. They also bite, though it is not a medically significant wound.

Wingless larvae appear nothing like their smooth rounded adult forms. Instead, they are tubular like a short, small caterpillar, and they have an array of spikes along the edge of the body as well as on top. Adults have shiny, rounded bodies and can be red, orange, brown or tan with a variety of black spots on them. Their coloration varies greatly between individuals. Spot patterns are also variable.

Picture of the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle

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Historically, Lady Beetles, were recognized as a beneficial insect because of their diet. They are known to eat aphids and other plant-harming insects, making them a welcome ally in a garden or farm. This entire family of beetles was therefore 'dedicated' to 'Our Lady' in appreciation for their aid in growing food.

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Like most walkingsticks, the Two-Striped Walkingstick is long and slender. It looks more like a dark stick or branch and is usually found on plants. In addition to camouflage, this species of walkingstick also uses a chemical spray to defend itself when threatened. It is noxious enough to irritate even humans and, if hit in the eyes, could cause temporary blindness.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Two-Striped Walkingstick, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 9/11/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

The slow-moving, wingless Two-Striped Walkingstick has little to defend itself with apart from camouflage... and a nasty little irritant that could temporary blindness.

This herbivore eats the leaves of plants and can be found walking or resting on trees, shrubs and tall grasses. They may also be observed traversing the grounds of woods, fields and forests. Males are much shorter and thinner than females. They are often spied catching a ride on a female's back. Males may stay with one female for most of its life and mate with her.

Picture of the Two-Striped Walkingstick

Two-Striped Walkingstick Information

Category: Walkingstick or Timema
Common Name: Two-Striped Walkingstick
Scientific Name: Anisomorpha buprestoides
Other Name(s): Southern Two-Striped Walkingstick, Devil Rider

Size, Identifying Tags and Territorial Reach

Size (Adult, Length): 39 mm to 78 mm (1.521 inches to 3.042 inches)
Identifying Colors: brown, black, yellow
Additional Descriptors: stick, long, skinny, lines, slow

North American Territorial Reach (Though Not Limited To): Alabama; Florida; Georgia; Louisiana; Mississippi; New Mexico; South Carolina; Texas; Mexico

A Note About Territorial Reach: Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above. Insects are driven by environmental factors, food supplies and mating patterns and do not nescessarily work within hard-and-fast territorial lines like we humans do.

BugFinder: What is it?

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Like most walkingsticks, the Two-Striped Walkingstick is long and slender. It looks more like a dark stick or branch and is usually found on plants. In addition to camouflage, this species of walkingstick also uses a chemical spray to defend itself when threatened.

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Beneficial insects in the garden: #37 Lovebugs, March Flies (Plecia nearctica)

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Lovebugs are actually flies (Diptera) of the family Bibionidae, having the scientific name, Plecia nearctica. The common name "lovebug" has been given to these black colored, orange-backed flies because they are most often seen flying around in mating pairs.

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The spines on the side of this female spider make it unique and easy to recognize. Males are considerably smaller than females and they lack the spines. There are a variety of species in this genus and colors vary.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Spiny Backed Orb Weaver, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 9/13/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

You can look, but don't touch the Spiny-backed Orbweaver spider. Those thorns help keep predators at bay.

Like other orb weavers, it creates a web that is circular in shape, only it has few or no spirals at the center of its web. Each night, a new web is spun to catch small insect prey. The spider stands up-side-down on the web.

Late in the year, the female will lay eggs that will grow throughout winter, hatching spiderlings in the spring. The oval-shaped egg sac is near the web, usually hidden underneath leaves. It may be white, green or yellowish, but it is woven of the spider's silk.

Picture of the Spiny Backed Orb Weaver

Spiny Backed Orb Weaver Information

Category: Spider
Common Name: Spiny Backed Orb Weaver
Scientific Name: Gasteracantha spp.
Other Name(s): Crablike Spiny Orb Weaver Spider

Basic Spider Anatomy (Typical Species)

1) Legs: Spiders have four pairs of legs and these are attached to the cephalothorax.
2) Pedipalps: Small appendages near the mouth used as taste and smell organs.
3) Cephalothorax: A fused head and thorax (chest) containing the eyes, fangs and mouth.
4) Abdomen: Contains various organs related to digestion, reproduction and web-making.
5) Spinnerets: Used in the production of spider silk for fashioning webs or catching prey.
NOTE: Unlike insects, spiders have both an endoskeleton (internal) and exoskeleton (external).

Size, Identifying Tags and Territorial Reach

Size (Adult, Length): 2 mm to 10 mm (0.078 inches to 0.39 inches)
Identifying Colors: orange; black; white; yellow; red
Additional Descriptors: spikes, flat, spines, thorns, spots, biting, venomous

North American Territorial Reach (Though Not Limited To): Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin; Wyoming

A Note About Territorial Reach: Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above. Insects are driven by environmental factors, food supplies and mating patterns and do not nescessarily work within hard-and-fast territorial lines like we humans do.

BugFinder: What is it?

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The spines on the side of this female spider make it unique and easy to recognize. Males are considerably smaller than females and they lack the spines. There are a variety of species in this genus and colors vary. Detailing the identifying qualities of the Spiny Backed Orb Weaver, including physical features and territorial reach.

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Like all members of the Salticidae family, fantastic leaps across relatively long distances are a hallmark of Jumping Spiders. They are believed to have excellent eyesight and are known to be just as inquisitive as the humans that observe them. Small and mighty, Jumping Spiders pounce on unsuspecting insect prey using their springy legs to launch a silent aerial attack, or perhaps get themselves in range for a quick run-down.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Jumping Spider, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 8/2/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

Identifying this species of Jumping Spider is as easy as black-and-white thanks to clear markings, small stature, and powerful legs.

It is not uncommon to find Jumping Spiders indoors where they help homeowners rid the house of unwanted pests. They are not known to be aggressive toward people, but like any creature under threat and in a panic, it can bite. The bite stings a little, but it is not life-threatening (unless the victim is specifically allergic to that kind of venom) and will heal by itself over time. Most times, Jumping Spiders look, leap away, and disappear into corners and cracks.

Jumping Spider Information

Category: Spider
Common Name: Jumping Spider
Scientific Name: Paraphidippus aurantius

Basic Spider Anatomy (Typical Species)

1) Legs: Spiders have four pairs of legs and these are attached to the cephalothorax.
2) Pedipalps: Small appendages near the mouth used as taste and smell organs.
3) Cephalothorax: A fused head and thorax (chest) containing the eyes, fangs and mouth.
4) Abdomen: Contains various organs related to digestion, reproduction and web-making.
5) Spinnerets: Used in the production of spider silk for fashioning webs or catching prey.
NOTE: Unlike insects, spiders have both an endoskeleton (internal) and exoskeleton (external).

Size, Identifying Tags and Territorial Reach

Size (Adult, Length): 4 mm to 8 mm (0.156 inches to 0.312 inches)
Identifying Colors: black, white
Additional Descriptors: dots, stripes, fast, jumping, leaping, eyes

North American Territorial Reach (Though Not Limited To): Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin; Wyoming; Alberta; British Columbia; Manitoba; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Quebec; Saskatchewan; Mexico

A Note About Territorial Reach: Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above. Insects are driven by environmental factors, food supplies and mating patterns and do not nescessarily work within hard-and-fast territorial lines like we humans do.

BugFinder: What is it?

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Like all members of the Salticidae family, fantastic leaps across relatively long distances are a hallmark of Jumping Spiders. They are believed to have excellent eyesight and are known to be just as inquisitive as the humans that observe them.

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Black Ant: Insect field guide to the most commonly found insects and non-insects in North America.

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Insect field guide to the most commonly found insects and non-insects in North America.

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Insect field guide to the most commonly found insects and non-insects in North America.

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Ladybug: Insect field guide to the most commonly found insects and non-insects in North America.

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Grasshopper: Insect field guide to the most commonly found insects and non-insects in North America.

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Cool Facts About The Cicada Killer Wasp

Much like the name suggests, the Cicada Killer Wasp, which is often simply referred to as the Cicada Killer, specializes in exactly that - killing Cicadas

The males are typically smaller, non-venomous and live a much shorter life as an adult compared to their female counterpart]

Although the Cicada Killer Wasp kills Cicadas, the adults don't feed on them. In fact the adults spend their time sipping on the sweet nectar, which helps fuel the females during their challenging day job

Are you confused at this point about the Cicada Killer? I mean, why are they known for killing Cicadas yet don't feed on them? There is a method to their madness and to describe it, we need to start at the beginning.

The Fight

It all starts when the adult Cicada Killers emerge from their burrow. Their first order of business is to fill up on nectar before the dangerous mating season begins. I say it is dangerous as the smaller, non-venomous males are incredibly aggressive. Several males will often fight over territory and mates at the same time. In fact, they have been known to fight during the act of mating. You have to give them credit for being able to multitask but it sure doesn't sound pleasant.

Unfortunately for the males, the fighting and mating is the highlight of their life as they die shortly after mating. Although this may be a blessing in disguise as the life of the surviving female sounds more like a life working on the chain gang.

The Home Builder

For the female, once mating season is over the real work begins. She must fuel up on nectar before going out and digging her 2 foot deep burrow. In order to appreciate this, I would like you to measure out 2 feet with your hands. Now remember that this is an insect digging this hole! The female will eventually deposit her eggs into this burrow, however, she has one more task to complete before this can hapen. Every parent knows there are two main necessities you provide your children with - a roof over their head and food in their belly.

The Food Gatherer

Now it is time to go hunting for food. As you might have guessed the large, venomous female Cicada Killer is on the prowl for tasty Cicada. When the baby food is spotted, the Cicada Killer Wasp will attack the helpless insect by injecting a paralyzing venom into her prey. Notice that I said paralyzing and not killing. Yes the Cicada is still alive. At this point, the loving mother will drag, heave, push and even try to fly this large meal back to her home. Once she has enough food for her young (the Cicada Killer will bring home several Cicadas for her children) she will lay her eggs and call it a life. After all this hard work, the mother will perish never getting the chance to meet her children.

So what about the paralyzed Cicada? You have a great memory. As mentioned, the adults do not kill the Cicada. They simply drug them and drag them home. It is the young grub form of the Cicada Killer Wasp that will silently feed on the paralyzed victim until they succumb to their injuries. It is not easy being a Cicada, is it?
Photo Sources: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pachytime/2781829063/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydalus/214199224/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/horsepunchkid/7718451240/

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Much like the name suggests, the Cicada Killer Wasp, which is often simply referred to as the Cicada Killer, specializes in exactly that - killing Cicadas The males are typically smaller, non-venomous and live a much shorter life as an adult compared to their female counterpart] Although the Cicada Killer Wasp kills Cicadas, the adults don't feed on them.

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The alarming yellow and black coloration on the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber causes many observers to slowly back away. While this wasp is certainly capable of stinging, it is not immediately interested in attacking people like other wasps. The mild temperament of this species allows an observer more time to marvel at its needle-thin waist, yellow and black legs, curvy antennae, and pops of vibrant yellow decorating the head, thorax and abdomen. Pestering with and trying to handle any kind of wasp is not recommended, but this less aggressive species doesn't seem to mind a curious admirer.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 2/5/2018; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber

Bright legs and a dark body signal danger, but the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber is a less aggressive wasp species.

The name 'Black and Yellow Mud Dauber' comes from this species' coloring as well as its handmade creation. A dauber is a term used for an somewhat reckless painter. In the autumn, a female Mud Dauber forms mud into balls that are then hollowed out. These balls form cells for her eggs. The mud balls are roughly glued together with more mud to create a crude nest. Nests are usually placed under bridges or rocks, or along exposed beams of abandoned buildings or barns. These mud nests have also been found in garages, attics, and outdoor picnic shelters in parks. The mud nest is kept dry by the structure's roof or overhang. Females lay an egg in a cell and place several paralyzed spiders she caught in the cell with the egg. Once an egg hatches, the wasp larva feeds on the the immobile spiders in its cell. After growing in size, the larva will form a paper-like cocoon and overwinter in the cell. It pupates in the spring and emerges from its cocoon as a flying adult wasp.

Picture of the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber

Black and Yellow Mud Dauber Information

Category: Bee, Ant, Wasp and Similar
Common Name: Black and Yellow Mud Dauber
Scientific Name: Sceliphron caementarium

Size, Identifying Tags and Territorial Reach

Size (Adult, Length): 20 mm to 25 mm (0.78 inches to 0.975 inches)
Identifying Colors: black, yellow, orange
Additional Descriptors: waistline, wasp, thin, skinny, flying, stinging

North American Territorial Reach (Though Not Limited To): Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin; Wyoming; Alberta; British Columbia; Manitoba; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Quebec; Saskatchewan; Mexico

A Note About Territorial Reach: Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above. Insects are driven by environmental factors, food supplies and mating patterns and do not nescessarily work within hard-and-fast territorial lines like we humans do.

BugFinder: What is it?

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The alarming yellow and black coloration on the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber causes many observers to slowly back away. While this wasp is certainly capable of stinging, it is not immediately interested in attacking people like other wasps.

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Common Coneheads have faces that are pinched into a cone shape. The pointed heads of some species may even have a knob at the 'nose'. Like other Katydids, Common Coneheads can jump, fly and sing. Most are green and mimic leaves. Antennae are much longer than its body. Powerful hindlegs are long, much longer than the front sets of legs. Females bear long sword-like ovipositors used for laying fertilized eggs inside plant tissue. The curved ovipositor may be longer than the rest of the female's body. For this reason, some species are called Sword-Bearer Coneheads.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Common Coneheads, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 2/17/2018; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

The unusual head shape of Common Coneheads tips off their membership to a special group of Katydids.

Adults and nymphs chew on grasses of all kinds, including corn crops. Some can deliver a painful bite to careless people thanks to strong jaws made for chewing through tough plant fibers. Most species are active during the summer and early fall, when grasses are at their peak growth. They can be found by listening for their songs; some only heard by day while other species sing at night. Some species sing both day and night. Still some other species chirp until they perceive encroaching danger, whereupon they change to a low buzz. Common Coneheads tend to reside in open fields, along roadsides, in corn fields and thickets.

Common Coneheads Information

Category: Grasshopper or Cricket
Common Name: Common Coneheads
Scientific Name: Neoconocephalus sp.
Other Name(s): Conehead Katydids, Sword-Bearers

Size, Identifying Tags and Territorial Reach

Size (Adult, Length): 27 mm to 40 mm (1.053 inches to 1.56 inches)
Identifying Colors: green, yellow, brown
Additional Descriptors: legs, cone, pointy, narrow, cricket, grasshopper, sword, stinger, flying, jumping

North American Territorial Reach (Though Not Limited To): Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin; Wyoming; Alberta; British Columbia; Manitoba; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Quebec; Saskatchewan; Mexico

A Note About Territorial Reach: Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above. Insects are driven by environmental factors, food supplies and mating patterns and do not nescessarily work within hard-and-fast territorial lines like we humans do.

BugFinder: What is it?

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Common Coneheads have faces that are pinched into a cone shape. The pointed heads of some species may even have a knob at the 'nose'. Like other Katydids, Common Coneheads can jump, fly and sing. Most are green and mimic leaves. Antennae are much longer than its body.

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Katydids get their name from the perceived sound they make. Their repetitive clicks and calls sounded like someone saying, "Ka-ty-did", so the common name became that phrase. Both genders are capable of producing the sound. Katydids are related to crickets and grasshoppers, with large back legs for jumping. They have wings, however, and will fly away from danger.
Detailing the identifying qualities of the Katydid, including physical features and territorial reach.

Updated: 12/12/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org

The Katydid looks like a leaf and has a chirp like no other.

Adults are remarkably well-camouflaged for sitting on trees. Their body resembles a green leaf, even down to a detailed venation (veins in the leaf). Katydids will remain very still when on alert, but will quickly fly away when threatened, scared or disturbed. Nymphs (juveniles) have spots or speckles of black on them and eventually mature to the complete green color.

Angle-winged katydids lay their eggs on twigs in a single row, one slightly overlapping the egg before it. The eggs are flat, almost like small pumpkin seeds, and they may might not all be the same color.

Katydids eat the leaves from the tops of trees and bushes, where there may be fewer predators and less competition. They can be found in parks, gardens, fields and woods. Adults are most active in summer and autumn, but in Florida, the warm weather allows them to remain active all year long.

Picture of the Katydid

Katydid Information

Category: Grasshopper or Cricket
Common Name: Katydid
Scientific Name: Microcentrum rhombifolium
Other Name(s): Greater Wing Katydid

Size, Identifying Tags and Territorial Reach

Size (Adult, Length): 45 mm to 65 mm (1.755 inches to 2.535 inches)
Identifying Colors: green
Additional Descriptors: leaf, flat, jump, thighs

North American Territorial Reach (Though Not Limited To): Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; West Virginia; Wisconsin; Alberta; British Columbia; Manitoba; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Quebec; Sasketchewan

A Note About Territorial Reach: Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above. Insects are driven by environmental factors, food supplies and mating patterns and do not nescessarily work within hard-and-fast territorial lines like we humans do.

BugFinder: What is it?

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Katydids get their name from the perceived sound they make. Their repetitive clicks and calls sounded like someone saying, "Ka-ty-did", so the common name became that phrase. Both genders are capable of producing the sound. Katydids are related to crickets and grasshoppers, with large back legs for jumping.

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Katydid: Insect field guide to the most commonly found insects and non-insects in North America.