I was absolutely delighted to spot this Handsome Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum pulchellum) last week when I visited Huntley Meadows Park with fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford. Some of you may recall that this colorful katydid is my favorite insect. The katydid, which appears to be a female, was sunning herself on the raised edge of the boardwalk that runs through the marshland at this park. I love the way she is sprawled out with her body fully extended, forcing me to take a panorama-style shot to capture her portrait.
If you look carefully, you may note that “wood” of the boardwalk is actually an artificial composite material. For me this is a real benefit, because I don’t get splinters when I lie down on the boardwalk, as I am wont to do to get certain shots. However, I have learned from past experience that this surface gets really slick when there is frost or ice.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Love it! Be careful out there!
Love it! Be careful out there!
So not only the Katydid takes a sunbath there 😉
Very nice Mike! Great image!
Thanks, Reed. I just love those rainbow colors on this insect.
One of my favorite insects, too.
I am all for anything that doesn’t produce splinters!
Nice “panorama”, Mike!
Thanks, Wally. I too enjoy the lack of splinters, but somehow can’t seem to avoid the thorns when I am wandering in the wild.
I’ve loved every chance I’ve had to see these and hope for a few more, if things over there ever get back to approximate what we used to take for granted.
Thanks, Gary. I share your hopes and desires for a return to what we used to call “normalcy.”
It is handsome indeed, Mike. I’ve seen a few meadow katydids but not this species.
Thanks, Steve. I think this is one of the cases in which the insect’s name seems to be a perfect fit.
With that beautiful blue eye, yes indeed.