Great Green Bush-Cricket
Tettigonia viridissima
The Great Green Bush-Cricket (Tettigonia viridissima) is a large, striking katydid belonging to the family Tettigoniidae. Reaching a body length of 28 to 42 mm (with a wingspan of up to 90 mm), it is easily distinguished by its remarkably long wings that extend well beyond the tip of the abdomen, as well as its hair-like antennae that are longer than its body. Females also feature a long, sword-shaped ovipositor used for laying eggs in the soil. Widespread across Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa, this species thrives in sunny meadows, grasslands, hedgerows, gardens, and forest edges. Primarily carnivorous, it preys on smaller insects and caterpillars, occasionally supplementing its diet with soft plant matter. Adults are active from July to October, with males producing a loud, persistent stridulating song during warm afternoons and evenings.