Angular-winged katydid

The angular-winged katydid, scientifically known as Microcentrum, belongs to the family Tettigoniidae, commonly referred to as bush-crickets or katydids. These insects have evolved a remarkable form of camouflage, mimicking the appearance, color, and texture of foliage. This adaptation allows them to remain hidden from predators while residing on their host plants.

These pests are known to damage a wide variety of woody and ornamental plants. Citrus trees are particularly susceptible to their feeding habits. In commercial orchards and nurseries, their presence can lead to significant aesthetic damage to foliage and structural issues in young saplings, as they preferentially feed on tender leaves and shoots.

The life cycle of the insect follows incomplete metamorphosis. Females lay eggs in distinctive rows along the edges of leaves or thin twigs. These eggs appear as flat, overlapping scales, often mistaken for debris. After hatching, nymphs undergo several molts before reaching the adult stage. In most regions, this species completes one generation per year, peaking during mid-to-late summer.

The primary damage caused by Microcentrum is the ragged, semi-circular feeding patterns found along the margins of leaves. While a single insect may cause negligible damage, large populations can defoliate entire sections of a plant. This feeding behavior reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the host, which can be detrimental to fruit quality and long-term tree health.

Managing this pest involves a combination of mechanical and chemical strategies. Routine scouting for egg clusters is essential for control in residential gardens and nursery settings. If infestation levels are high, targeted applications of approved insecticides during the early nymphal stages prove most effective. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices should be prioritized to maintain ecosystem balance.

• Regular inspection of leaf margins for egg rows
• Manual removal and destruction of identified egg clutches
• Encouraging natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps
• Using horticultural oils for early nymphal control
• Application of selective insecticides when necessary