Microtettigonia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Microtettigonia |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Orthoptera |
| Suborder: | Ensifera |
| Family: | Tettigoniidae |
| Subfamily: | Microtettigoniinae Rentz, 1979 |
| Genus: | Microtettigonia Rentz, 1979 |
| Type species | |
| Microtettigonia kangaroo Rentz, 1979
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Microtettigonia is a special group of insects known as micro katydids. They are a type of bush-cricket or katydid. These tiny creatures are found only in Western Australia, which means they are endemic there. They are the only members of a smaller group called the Microtettigoniinae subfamily.
Contents
What Are Katydids?
Katydids are insects that look a lot like grasshoppers. They are also known as bush-crickets. Most katydids are green or brown, which helps them blend in with plants. This is called camouflage. They have long antennae, which are like feelers, and strong back legs for jumping.
Katydid Sounds
Many katydids are famous for the sounds they make. Male katydids "sing" to attract females. They do this by rubbing their wings together. The sound can be very loud, especially at night. It often sounds like "katy-did, katy-didn't," which is how they got their name!
Where Katydids Live
Katydids live all over the world, especially in warm places. They prefer areas with lots of plants, like forests, grasslands, and even gardens. They spend most of their lives on trees, bushes, or tall grasses.
Micro Katydids of Western Australia
The Microtettigonia katydids are special because they are endemic to Western Australia. This means they are found naturally nowhere else in the world. They are called "micro" katydids because they are quite small compared to other katydid species.
Their Habitat
These tiny katydids live in the unique environments of Western Australia. This region has many different types of plants and landscapes. Micro katydids are very good at hiding among the leaves and branches.
What They Eat
Most katydids are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. They might munch on leaves, flowers, or even fruit. Some katydids can also eat smaller insects. Micro katydids likely have a similar diet, feeding on the plants found in their Australian home.
Species of Micro Katydids
Scientists have identified several different species within the Microtettigonia group. Each species has its own unique features, even if they all look similar at first glance. These species were mostly described by a scientist named Rentz.
Here are the known species:
- Microtettigonia alleni Rentz, 2001
- Microtettigonia illcha Rentz, 2001
- Microtettigonia kangaroo Rentz, 1979
- Microtettigonia kutyeri Rentz, 2001
- Microtettigonia tachys Rentz, 1979
- Microtettigonia tunte Rentz, 2001
- Microtettigonia whippoo Rentz, 2001
