About Ephippiger ephippiger (Fiebig, 1784)
Ephippiger ephippiger, commonly called the saddle-backed bush cricket, is a species in the subfamily Bradyporinae of the family Tettigoniidae. This species is primarily found in central Europe, while its closely related species Ephippiger diurnus occurs in western Europe. Its typical habitat includes relatively dry, open areas with sparse vegetation, such as heathland with scattered trees. Individuals can be found both near the soil surface and higher up within existing vegetation. The saddle-backed bush cricket feeds mainly on insects and other small animals, though it also consumes plant tissue. It is considered beneficial for arable farmers, as it lives within crop plants and primarily hunts plant-dwelling pest insects. This species is active from August through October. Males produce their calling song mainly between 11 o’clock in the morning and 9 o’clock in the evening. The song is clearly audible, consisting of a sharp, grating squeak that sounds like "tieh". These squeaks are repeated in long sequences at a frequency of approximately one or two repetitions per second.
