Insect · GBIF taxon 1720986
Four-spotted Tree Cricket
Oecanthus quadripunctatusAlso known as Four-spotted Bush Cricket
Four-spotted tree crickets are delicate, pale green insects known for their high-pitched rhythmic chirping on summer and autumn evenings. Named for four dark markings located on the basal segments of their antennae, these nocturnal singers spend their lives hidden among weeds, goldenrods, and berry bushes. Their chirping rate is strongly temperature-dependent, allowing observers to estimate ambient temperatures by counting their calls.
NocturnalInsectAcoustic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aphids
- Pollen
- Plant leaves
Predators
- Spiders
- Insectivorous birds
- Praying mantises
ThreatsPesticide use, habitat loss through frequent mowing and development
HabitatsFields, brushy pastures, old fields, garden edges, weed patches
Life span1 year (overwinters as egg)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOrthoptera
- FamilyGryllidae
- GenusOecanthus
- SpeciesOecanthus quadripunctatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen at Dusk: Males begin their rhythmic singing around sunset from goldenrod patches or brushy field edges.
- Examine the Antennae: Use a small magnifying loupe to spot the four black markings on the basal antenna segments.
- Calculate Temperature: Count the number of chirps in 13 seconds and add 40 to estimate temperature in Fahrenheit.
Close Relative Calibas at English Wikipedia / Public domain · cc0
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
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