Phaneropteridae

The Phaneropterinae, the bush katydids or leaf katydids, are a subfamily of insects within the family Tettigoniidae. Nearly 2060 species in 85 genera throughout the world are known. They are also known as false katydids or round-headed katydids. The name Phaneropterinae is based upon the Old World genus Phaneroptera, meaning 'visible wing', referring to the exposed tips of the inner wings. The legs of individuals in this subfamily vary from genus to genus, but, as in nearly all Orthoptera, the posterior (rear) legs are adapted to leaping, and as such are always much longer than other legs. The Phaneropterinae are largely arboreal in habitat. The vast majority of species live in shrubs and trees, feeding on leaves and twigs. Some species might potentially cause significant damage, though usually superficial, when present in large numbers, but this is rare; they usually are solitary, unlike meadow grasshoppers, so much so that they seldom come to human notice. The ovipositor and male genitalia vary according to the genus. The Phaneropterinae differ from other subfamilies of Tettigoniidae (and other Orthoptera) in their oviposition; their eggs are rarely deposited in the earth, but are either glued in double rows to twigs, or are inserted in the edges of leaves. The subfamily Phaneropterinae was first erected in 1838 by German zoologist Hermann Burmeister. As of January 2019, Orthoptera Species File lists the following tribes, subtribes, genus groups, and genera.