Why is this katydid red? ...and other questions...

[Solid Snake]

So, I am finding these red katydids, that are much larger than the green ones I find.(its larger than a large cricket)

Is this just different developmental stages in their growth?

Is it because of its diet?

Is it even a katydid?

Can I feed it?

If so, how do I breed it?

 

[SSimsswiSS]

I don't know, but maybe you should send some to me for testing!

 

[Solid Snake]

I don't know, but maybe you should send some to me for testing!

Hmmm ;/ better your chams than mine I guess.

I have just encountered this tan specimen, similar in size:

 

[Texas Ranger]

Cool I don't know what they are but it looks like you have a male and female there. time to make babies with them lol

 

[Solid Snake]

Lol

There are super tiny(pin-head) ones, all the way up to this size everywhere here.

If they are a good feeder, having them year round would not be bad though.

Seeing as how they are so similar, Im guessing the diet is what is giving them their differing colors.

What the heck the first one ate to turn it red, I have no idea.

 

[DanSB]

We have very few tasty Katydids around my parts.

I generally go to Bugguide.net to try to Identify various critters. I couldn't find anything with red legs like that though, it is definitely neat looking. I got as far as Shieldback Katydid but that's not super helpful I'm afraid as there are many species of Shieldback's.

Either way here is as far as I could find: http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Shieldback+Katydid+&search=Search

Let us know if you figure out I am very curious!

 

[Solid Snake]

We have very few tasty Katydids around my parts.

I generally go to Bugguide.net to try to Identify various critters. I couldn't find anything with red legs like that though, it is definitely neat looking. I got as far as Shieldback Katydid but that's not super helpful I'm afraid as there are many species of Shieldback's.

Either way here is as far as I could find: http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Shieldback+Katydid+&search=Search

Let us know if you figure out I am very curious!

Thanks! I was looking at "short winged katydids", but this one seems to fit the bill for the first one:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/339379
Although it just says "unidentified"

It looks like they are just, "Eastern Shield Back Katydids"

 

[DanSB]

Did you also see the pink Katydids in your search?

http://bugguide.net/node/view/33981

That would be a cool feeder! Apparently it is a genetic thing like Albinism so they shouldn't be toxic...

 

[WingedWolfPsion]

Be aware when handling them that katydids have quite the sturdy jaws on them, and aren't at all afraid to use them, lol. They will also eat other insects, and cannibalize.

 

[Trace]

Lol. What the heck the first one ate to turn it red, I have no idea.

Obviously they have joined the dark side and are now Sith katydids. I think that male is Darth Atlanticus.

 

[DanSB]

Obviously they have joined the dark side and are now Sith katydids. I think that male is Darth Atlanticus.

Good god some of us are trying to NOT squirt water out of our noses.

That is hilarious.