2 Wicken Fen Crickets

jdoherty · #1 (**permalink**) 25-12-2009, 11:27 AM

I took these two photos at Wicken Fen in August 2008. ID's anyone?

Thanks, John.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 25-12-2009, 11:40 AM

Afternoon John,

The first looks like a brachypterous (...short-winged form) Long-winged Conehead, and the second looks like a slightly longer-winged brachypterous Long-winged Conehead. I think both are male too, since they lack obvious ovipositors.

Though they are short-winged, even here they have larger wings than the less common Short-winged Conehead would. They also have a dark line down the length of the body.

Correct me if I'm incorrect on any of this, anyone!

Oh, and Happy Christmas!

Take care,

Jason

jdoherty · #3 (**permalink**) 25-12-2009, 01:03 PM

Many thanks Jason for your IDs and may I also wish you and all WAB members a very Happy Christmas and a safe and peaceful New Year.

John

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 26-12-2009, 03:16 PM

I would say they look good for male Short-winged Conehead!

I can't find any reference to LW Conehead having a brachypterous form, though there is an extra-macropteous form (normally this species is macropterous). Also SW Coneheads can have a macropterous form. Ovipositor shape in females + cerci shape in males (not really obvious in these photos) will distinguish macropterous SW from LW Coneheads.

As these insects aren't long-winged I feel they can only be SW Coneheads.

jdoherty · #5 (**permalink**) 26-12-2009, 08:02 PM

Aeshna you lost me after the first sentence so I went away and looked up the words which I didn't understand. I think it's always good to learn something new. Thanks again for your help. I'm also very pleased as this is the first time I've ever photographed a Short-winged Conehead.

Thanks, John