False Robust Conehead
False Robust Conehead (Neoconocephalus bivocatus)
Occurrence
Rare, but moving north
Habitat
Meadows, fields
Range
This species is expected in the southern half of the state, but they are moving north. Linda Gilbert found a couple of them at the edge of a cornfield in Geauga County and I recorded one at the Bath Nature Preserve in western Summit County in 2017. Here is Linda Gilbert's 2014 False Robust; we collaborated to get photos and recordings.
False Robust Conehead: singing male. Photo by Linda Gilbert
Physical description
Somewhat larger and noticeably more substantial in appearance than the Sword-bearing Conehead. They can be green or brown. The photo below is the Bath Nature Preserve False Robust Conehead.
When viewed from the side, the cone appears to have a notch. The tip of the cone is white.
Song
The song is a loud, intense, penetrating buzz that is significantly louder than the Round-tipped Conehead. Their loud, buzzy songs appear to have two primary frequencies, and I encourage you to read Wil Hershberger's detailed description and explanation in the Songs of Insects.
Adult season
August and probably September. There is very little information for our region yet because this species is still rare.
General description and context
The False Robust Conehead may be described in relation to the even louder Robust Conehead. However, that is not so helpful in NE Ohio. Although the range map suggests the Robust would be here, I have not yet heard them. If Robust Coneheads were present here, they would be unmistakable because they are almost intolerably loud.
Listening in Nature post
http://listeninginnature.blogspot.com/2015/08/everyone-loves-conehead.html
Songs of Insects
http://songsofinsects.com/katydids/false-robust-conehead
Singing Insects of North America
