Superfamily Tettigonioidea

Tettigonioidea is a major superfamily within the infraorder Tettigoniidea and suborder Ensifera, comprising insects commonly known as katydids or bush-crickets. This superfamily is especially diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, though many species also occur in temperate zones. Members of Tettigonioidea are primarily associated with vegetation in forests, grasslands, and shrublands.

Tettigonioid insects are characterized by their laterally compressed or leaf-like bodies, which often provide excellent camouflage among foliage. The antennae are extremely long and filamentous, usually exceeding the body length. Females possess a well-developed ovipositor that is typically blade-, sword-, or sickle-shaped, adapted for inserting eggs into plant tissue, soil, or decaying wood.

Most species have well-developed wings. The forewings form leathery tegmina that bear specialized structures for stridulation, allowing males to produce species-specific calling songs. The hindwings are membranous and folded beneath the tegmina when at rest. Sound reception occurs through tympanal organs located on the fore tibiae, facilitating complex acoustic communication.

Development in Tettigonioidea is hemimetabolous, with egg, nymph, and adult stages. Nymphs resemble adults but lack fully developed wings and reproductive organs. Feeding habits within the superfamily are diverse and include herbivory, omnivory, and predation, with some species known to feed on other insects or small vertebrates.

Ecologically, Tettigonioidea play important roles as herbivores, predators, and prey within terrestrial ecosystems. They contribute to energy flow and nutrient cycling and are often sensitive to habitat disturbance, making them useful indicators of environmental quality. The superfamily includes the prominent family Tettigoniidae and reflects a wide range of morphological, behavioral, and ecological diversity.