August 2023 Bug Box (Oblong-winged Katydid)

Though common in the forests, fields, and thickets of eastern North America, this large insect is an excellent leaf mimic and hard to spot. Its loud nighttime call ("zeee-tik!"), which it makes by rubbing its wings together, might be the only way you know it’s around. While the majority of wild oblong-winged katydids are bright green, on rare occasions, they are known to be hot pink, yellow, tan, or orange.