Notes on the Captive Life History of the Carnivorous KatydidLirometopum coronatumScudder (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Costa Rica

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Four adult females of the katydid Lirometopum coronatum Scudder (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Copiphorinae) were collected at night near the Old Lab building at Finca La Selva Research Station in Costa Rica 12–14 April 1983. From laboratory observations, this katydid appears to be primarily nocturnal and carnivorous. These and subsequent generations (through F3) were maintained in the Insect Zoo at the San Francisco Zoological Garden from April 1983 to December 1985. Propagation methods were developed. Life history and behavior data were recorded: F1 females ranged in adult body size from 46 mm to 55 mm; adult ovipositor length ranged from 19 mm to 27 mm; from hatching to death ranged from 189 to 301 days; with an average life span of 239. Males ranged in adult body size from 41 mm to 47 mm; age ranged from 164 to 390 days; with an average life span of 308 days. Both stridulation and leaf shaking was observed in males.