Onconotus

Onconotus is a genus of bush-crickets or katydids belonging to the family Tettigoniidae and the subfamily Tettigoniinae. These insects are primarily found in Europe and Asia.

Members of the Onconotus genus are characterized by their robust bodies, often exhibiting a distinctive humped back. They typically inhabit grasslands and meadows, where they feed on various plants. Identifying characteristics often include the shape and size of the pronotum, tegmina (forewings), and ovipositor (in females).

Specific Onconotus species can be differentiated based on subtle morphological features and their geographic distribution. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revisions, reflecting ongoing efforts to clarify species boundaries and relationships.

The song of Onconotus species, produced by stridulation (rubbing body parts together), is used for communication, particularly during mating. These songs are often species-specific and play a role in mate recognition and selection.

Conservation status varies depending on the specific species and its habitat, with some populations facing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural intensification and urbanization.