Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 1692043

Sword-bearing Conehead

Neoconocephalus ensiger

Also 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
Sword-bearing Conehead reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Marlo Perdicas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marlo Perdicas · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderOrthoptera
  2. FamilyTettigoniidae
  3. GenusNeoconocephalus
  4. SpeciesNeoconocephalus ensiger
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain Pro

Mystic Meadows

Sword-bearing Conehead is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

Unlock to track progress

Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…