Jul 20, 2016
#1128 - Alectoria superba - Superb Katydid
Another from Tony Eales, who found it out near Roma in Queensland. A truly magnificent beast.
Also known as the Crested Katydid, this species is the only member of its genus and has no close relative. It’s been found across much of inland Australia but never frequently, and since the diet appears to consist of flowers, that’s probably because rain is so infrequent Out Back.
Little is known of their biology and life cycle but the females have a very short ovipositor, and probably stick their eggs to the side of plant stems. The purpose of the crest is unknown - both males and females have one.