Insect · GBIF taxon 1692043
Sword-bearing Conehead
Neoconocephalus ensigerAlso known as Swordbearer, Swordbearer Katydid
Sword-bearing coneheads are conspicuous summer katydids recognized by their elongated, pointed conehead and the female's extraordinarily long, sword-like ovipositor. Males perched near the tops of tall grasses produce a relentless, rapid rattling buzz that carries across open fields after dusk. They occur in both vibrant green and straw-brown color phases, blending seamlessly into living or dry foliage.
Insect SongsterNocturnalGrassy Fields
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grass seeds
- Flower petals
- Foliage
Predators
- Birds
- Bats
- Small Mammals
ThreatsHabitat conversion, broad-spectrum pesticides, and frequent mowing
HabitatsOld fields, pastures, tallgrass prairies, and roadside vegetation
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOrthoptera
- FamilyTettigoniidae
- GenusNeoconocephalus
- SpeciesNeoconocephalus ensiger
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Strong mandibles can deliver a firm pinch if handled; observe without catching.
Responsible observation
- Listen after dusk: Track their continuous rattling buzz in late summer meadows after sunset.
- Use red light: Approach singing males slowly with a red-filtered flashlight to keep them from falling silent.
- Look for color morphs: Scan grass stems carefully to spot both bright green and tan-brown individuals.
Close Relative Close Relative 
Family Relative (c) florawhite, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Mystic Meadows
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