Katydids grow incrementally, from the exoskeletal confines of one instar to the next. They emerge from a hanging position on warm, still, humid nights and rely on a very limited variation of climatic tolerances. They will not survive the moult if it rains too heavily. Colouring and hardening takes several hours to complete.
This (unidentified) individual is capable of flight. It is a powerful, predatory katydid, as indicated by its size and the tibial spurs on its forelegs (in the close-up below).
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.
Wow! Lookit what katy did. Great photos Neil.
Blown up a bit it would be a good candidate for the next series of Dr. Who. Are these crickets, or grasshoppers, or something else?
Crickets GDGE.
Katydids & crickets have many more than 30 segments in their antennae, whereas grasshoppers & locusts have less than 30. Female katydids also have a long, tubular, sword-like ovipositor extending from the abdomen.
Thanks Neil.