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Katydid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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katydid

[ˈkeɪ.tɪ.dɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

insects

A katydid is an insect belonging to the family Tettigoniidae, also known as bush crickets. These insects are characterized by their green color, long antennae, and the ability to produce distinctive sounds, especially during the night, which is often heard in warm weather. Katydids are typically found in North America, but their range extends to various parts of the world. They are herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, and are known for their exceptional camouflage that helps them evade predators.

Synonyms

bush cricket, tettigoniid.

Examples of usage

  • The katydid's song was the soundtrack of the summer evening.
  • We spotted a green katydid resting on the leaf.
  • Katydids can be hard to find due to their excellent camouflage.
  • The child was fascinated by the large katydid hopping around the garden.

Translations

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Origin of 'katydid'

The word 'katydid' is derived from the mimicry of the insect's distinctive call, which sounds like 'katy did, katy did.' This name was first recorded in the early 19th century, around 1825. The katydid belongs to the order Orthoptera, which also includes grasshoppers and crickets, and the family Tettigoniidae is further divided into numerous species. The ability to produce sound comes from the scraping of their wings together, a behavior known as stridulation. Katydids are often used in studies of insect behavior due to their varied calls and mating rituals, adding to their interest in both scientific research and folklore.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,387, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.