ORTHOPTERA > ENISFERA > Tettigoniidae (Bush-crickets)

Up to the 1980's, this was the more widespread of our two native coneheads, but today the Long-winged [Conocephalus fuscus] species is the more frequently recorded, with Conocephalus dorsalis being much more local. And, although it occurs inland in some wetland areas, it's more likely to be found on the coast where there are tall grasses and rushes in habitats such as dunes and saltmarshes.

C.dorsalis averages a little smaller than C.fuscus at 11-18mm and, as their common name suggests, are typically short-winged with the tips of the wings barely reaching halfway along the abdomen. However, and although rare, longer-winged individuals may be seen in some years, particularly when the weather is unseasonably hot. This form has the name 'burri' and can cause confusion, but it can be distinguished by certain key features. Adults look more compact than the longer and slender C.fuscus species and have a broader brown dorsal stripe as well as darker wings. The females have shorter, upcurved, distinctly sickle-shaped ovipositors and both sexes lack the three small black spines underneath the hind femur that are found on C.fuscus.

I have yet to encounter this particular species.