Katydids are some of the most enchanting insects in Ohio’s late-summer soundscape. Their rhythmic, musical calls echo through forests, meadows, and suburban neighborhoods. One of the most recognizable species is a large, leaflike katydid whose broad wings help it blend seamlessly into foliage.
In grassy fields and wet meadows, a small, brightly colored species produces a high-pitched trill that often goes unnoticed by human ears. Meanwhile, shrubs and low vegetation host a slender katydid with distinctive tail projections, known for its soft, ticking call.
These katydids are essential contributors to Ohio’s nighttime chorus and serve as important prey for birds, bats, and small mammals.