Best time to see: Jul to Oct
Key facts
A dull-coloured bush-cricket found in hedgerows, scrub and densely vegetated areas
Fairly common in the southern half of England and in Wales
Bush-crickets (unlike grasshoppers) have long antennae, feed on other insects and are mainly nocturnal
Recognition
Greenish-yellow underside and otherwise pale brown to almost black, with speckles; almost wingless
Song is a high-pitched chirp, repeated at regular intervals from mid-afternoon on into the night
Body up to 20mm; ovipositor about half body length, curved strongly upwards
Lifecycle
Pairs are territorial, with the males defending the territory aggressively against intruders
Females lay their eggs into rotting wood or crevices in tree bark in late summer, where they spend the winter
Nymphs emerge in late spring, reaching adulthood in July
© Tony Gunton