Tettigoniini

Tettigoniini is a tribe of katydids, commonly known as bush crickets or long-horned grasshoppers, belonging to the subfamily Tettigoniinae within the family Tettigoniidae. This tribe is characterized by its diverse array of species found primarily in temperate and tropical regions around the world. Members of Tettigoniini are typically medium to large insects, distinguished by their long, filiform antennae which are often longer than their body. They possess powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, though their primary mode of locomotion is walking.

The diet of Tettigoniini katydids is varied; while many are herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits, some species are omnivorous or even predatory, consuming other insects. They are well-known for their acoustic communication, with males producing chirping or stridulating sounds by rubbing their forewings together to attract females. Females, in turn, have prominent ovipositors, used for laying eggs, often in soil, plant stems, or leaf litter.

The life cycle of Tettigoniini involves incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs hatching from eggs and molting several times before reaching adulthood. Their camouflage and cryptic coloration often help them blend into their environment, providing protection from predators. Despite their common names, they are not true grasshoppers, differing in their long, thread-like antennae and the structure of their leg joints.