Red Eye Devil - Neobarrettia spinosa
I have heard of carnivorous katydid before but never seen one, the idea of carnivorous katydid is pretty amazing since we all know that
katydid mainly feed on vegetation and grass.
A friend from Abilene, Texas managed to find some and is willing to trade me for some mantis. I have over supply of violin mantis and
ghost mantis currently so why not give it a try. This species is Neobarrettia spinosa, well known for its appetite on insects.
I received 5 adult males and 4 adult females, all in adult stage measure at around 2.5 inches to 3 inches. For the first time I witnessed
this ‘monster’ rip a grasshopper - of about 2 inches – apart easily. No wonder these are also called the red devil katydid (due to the
pink red eyes) besides the common greater arid-land katydid and spiny katydid. It is no doubt that this katydid will devour praying
mantis of its own size.
Adult female has a long ovipositor for egg laying purpose while male lack this feature.
The adult male makes a loud screeching sound but usually last only couple of seconds.
The katydid can also get agitated easily and quickly strike a defensive pose to deter further advance by the suitor.
The katydids actually follow the prey and then jump on it clumsily, grabbing its prey with the two front spiny legs and start chomping
away. Follow pic and a short clip of this adult male is feasting on a cricket.
So far I haven’t seen any mating when putting both adult male and female together.
