Invertebrate · Katydid & cricket
Common true katydid care guide
Pterophylla camellifolia
The common true katydid is a intermediate-level katydid & cricket from Eastern North America including southern Ontario. Adults reach Body 4–5 cm and live 4–6 months (adult) in captivity. Native katydid whose loud night calls give the group its name.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 20–27°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a common true katydid cost in Canada?
Common true katydid quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 4–5 cm
- Lifespan
- 4–6 months (adult)
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern North America including southern Ontario
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 20–27°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Herbivore – oak, maple, bramble leaves
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal insect
Common true katydid enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arboreal insect bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Premium Coconut Fiber3 cm
A thin, moisture-holding floor layer keeps humidity up. Leave at least twice the insect’s length of clear space below perches for moulting.
Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a common true katydid eat?
Herbivore – oak, maple, bramble leaves. Keep fresh tree leaf cuttings available.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle but can nip.
Health watch: Adults are short-lived and need fresh browse.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist lightly (species dependent) and check food plants are fresh.
Weekly
- Replace food plants; remove frass and old leaves.
Monthly
- Wipe mesh and check for mites.
Yearly
- Replace the floor layer between generations.
Recommended for a common true katydid bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Common true katydid FAQ
Is the common true katydid good for beginners?
The common true katydid is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Gentle but can nip.
What size enclosure does a common true katydid need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 4 can share; add about 30% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a common true katydid cost in Canada?
Typically $10–30 CAD to buy, about $120–230 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a common true katydid need?
Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a common true katydid eat?
Herbivore – oak, maple, bramble leaves. Keep fresh tree leaf cuttings available.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.