David Element's Wildlife Web Page Orthopteroids 7

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_Orthopteroids 7 - Long-winged Cone-heads 1

LONG-WINGED CONE-HEAD Conocephalus discolor (f, NYMPH)

LONG-WINGED CONE-HEAD Conocephalus discolor

LONG-WINGED CONE-HEAD Conocephalus discolor (f)

LONG-WINGED CONE-HEAD Conocephalus discolor (m) BROWN EXTRAMACROPTEROUS FORM

A partial life history is illustrated. The early stages with their black dorsal stripes may be very easily confused with those of the Short-winged Cone-head, Conocephalus dorsalis (see Orthopteroids 2) and discovery of adults may help with the identification of the nymphs. Although this latter species is more likely to be seen in wetter locations mixed populations do occur. Females are more readily characterised because of the presence of the distinctive long ovipositor (which is an entirely different shape from that of C. dorsalis, even in the later nymphal stages). This insect is a relatively recent self-introduction to the UK (1931). Originally confined to the southernmost Counties in localised colonies for about sixty years, there was a very rapid population explosion during the early 1990s. The extramacropterous forms are believed to develop during periods of population overcrowding. These longer-winged individuals can presumably cover greater distances when seeking out suitable locations for new colonies and they have almost certainly facilitated the very rapid spread of this species in the UK recently in response to the warming climate. This formerly rare and notable insect is now very common! However, the brown forms are comparatively unusual and most of these insects are green.