About Orchelimum gladiator Bruner, 1891
Males of Orchelimum gladiator Bruner, 1891 measure 17 millimeters in length, while females are larger, ranging from 18 to 20 millimeters long. This species is pale green, with dark brown markings on its occiput and pronotum. The extent of this brown coloration varies between individual specimens, appearing on both the sides and legs of the insect. It has reddish eyes, and multiple long spines are located underneath its prothorax. The female's ovipositor is curved, nearly as long as the abdomen, and is longer than is typical for katydids. Its wings are slender. When at rest, its hind legs extend beyond the tips of the fore legs. Its cerci are yellow and stout. This species lives in areas with long grass, typically located near water, including prairies and meadows. It is commonly found in the northern United States, and also has a moderate population in southeast Asia. Horsehair worms are known to parasitize this gladiator meadow katydid, and this species is one of many katydid hosts for these worms.
