For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Scientific name: Tettigonia viridissima
Size: Up to 42mm. Female ovipositor adds an extra 26mm
Distribution: Mostly found in the southern half of England and Wales
Months seen: June to October
Life span: Up to 10 months
Habitat: Woodland edges, in trees, areas of rough grass and shrubby vegetation
Food: Grass and other vegetation), aphids and other small invertebrates
Special features: Great Green Bush-crickets are the largest bush-crickets found in the U.K. They have a green body with a brown line down the middle of the back.
They have hair-like antennae which can be up to 50mm long. The wings are 30mm or more in length and they are able to fly up to a hundred metres. The ovipositor points slightly downwards.
The eyes are green, unlike the similar looking Wart Biter (Decticus verrucivorus) which has dark brown eyes.
The song of Great Green Bush-crickets is like a poorly oiled sewing machine. It's loud and very continuous. They start 'singing' in the afternoon and continue through the night.
Great Green Bush-crickets can give a nasty bite, so handle them carefully (or not at all).
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