Definition

Noun: 1. A type of large insect: A katydid is a large, typically green insect belonging to the family Tettigoniidae. It is closely related to grasshoppers and crickets and is known for its long, slender antennae. 2. A sound-producing insect: Male katydids are known for producing a characteristic loud, rhythmic sound ("katy-did, katy-didn't") by rubbing specialized structures on their forewings together, a process called stridulation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We heard the repetitive call of a katydid in the trees at night.
  • A bright green katydid was perfectly camouflaged among the leaves.
  • The katydid is an excellent example of insect mimicry, often resembling a leaf.

Advanced Usage

• Collective reference: The term "katydid" can be used to refer to the group as a whole, though the scientific family name is Tettigoniidae.
  • The order Orthoptera includes crickets, grasshoppers, and katydid.

Variants and Related Words

• Tettigoniid (noun): The formal scientific term for a katydid.
  • The researcher studied the hearing organs of various tettigoniids.
• Long-horned grasshopper (noun): A common descriptive name for katydids, referring to their long antennae.
  • Children were delighted to find a long-horned grasshopper on the bush.

Synonyms

• Bush cricket (noun): A synonym commonly used in some regions, particularly outside North America.
  • In the UK, what Americans call a katydid might be called a bush cricket.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Stridulation (noun): The act of producing sound by rubbing together certain body parts. This is the specific method used by male katydids.
  • The stridulation of the katydid filled the summer air.
• Camouflage (noun): The concealment by disguise or protective coloring. Katydids are often cited as examples of camouflage in nature.
  • The katydid's green coloration provides excellent camouflage.

Noun

1. large green long-horned grasshopper of North America; males produce shrill sounds by rubbing together special organs on the forewings