A Novel Songbird Nest Predator: The Greater Arid-land Katydid

Authors: K.N. Smith, J.W. Cain, M.L. Morrison, R.N. Wilkins

We describe the removal (predation) of a black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla) nestling by a female greater arid-land katydid (Neobarrettia spinosa) in southwest Texas. The event was captured with a nest camera during night in Jun. 2010. Neobarrettia species are known to be aggressive and carnivorous, but this is the first report of a katydid depredating a songbird nest.

Suggested Citation