Saddle-backed bush-cricket

The saddle-backed bush-cricket (Ephippiger cruciger) is a member of the Tettigoniidae family within the order Orthoptera. This species is characterized by its distinct pronotum structure and robust mandibles, which allow it to consume various plant tissues, occasionally behaving as a significant agricultural pest.

The pest targets a variety of crops, including vineyards, fruit orchards, and diverse vegetable crops. In agricultural settings, it is classified as a polyphage, meaning it feeds on a wide range of plants, often causing direct damage to buds, young foliage, and reproductive plant parts.

Its biological cycle is governed by temperature. Eggs, which are laid in the soil or within dry stems, overwinter until spring. Upon hatching, nymphs undergo several molts while feeding actively on vegetation. By mid-summer, adult insects reach maturity and begin the reproductive phase, ensuring the survival of the species for the following season.

The damage caused by this insect is primarily mechanical. It shreds leaves and consumes delicate growth tips, which can lead to stunted plant development. In severe infestations, the cumulative damage to the foliage and fruits significantly impairs the vigor and overall yield of the affected horticultural plants.

• Implementing proper soil tillage to disrupt overwintering sites.
• Maintaining field margins by clearing excess weeds.
• Monitoring pest density during the nymphal stages.
• Applying selective insecticides only when economic thresholds are met.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling this species effectively. Farmers should focus on cultural practices to minimize habitat suitability for the bush-cricket, supplemented by biological or chemical interventions only when necessary to protect the crop's economic value.