Insects diurnal

Long-winged Conehead

Conocephalus fuscus

A master of the summer meadows, the Long-winged Conehead is easily recognized by its pointed profile and vibrant green hue. Once restricted to coastal areas, this elegant flyer is now a common sight in wilder backyard spaces across temperate regions.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Adults typically measure 15–22 mm (0.6–0.9 inches) in length, excluding wings.

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Colors

Bright grass-green body with a distinctive dark brown stripe running along the back; some rare individuals may be entirely light brown.

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Key Features

Conical-shaped head tapering toward the front
Wings extend significantly beyond the end of the abdomen in adults
Distinctive dark brown dorsal stripe from head to wing-tips
Females feature a long, straight, sword-like ovipositor

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 11 AM - 5 PM

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Season July-October

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Diet A mixed diet consisting of grass seeds and flowers, supplemented by small soft-bodied insects like aphids.

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Habitat Tall, rough grasslands, reed beds, marshes, and suburban gardens with 'wild' unmown patches.

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Behavior

The Long-winged Conehead is a shy and alert bush-cricket that relies heavily on its slender shape and green coloration to blend into tall grass. Unlike many other bush-crickets, this species is a strong flyer, using its fully developed wings to travel between habitats or escape predators. They are most famous for their 'song,' a very high-pitched, continuous buzzing sound that resembles a miniature mechanical drill, often audible only to younger ears or those using a bat detector.

While they spend most of their time perched vertically on grass stems, they are remarkably agile. When they sense a threat, they characteristically 'squirrel' around to the opposite side of a blade of grass to remain out of sight. They are generally solitary but can be found in high densities in prime habitats like unmown meadows during the peak of summer.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Long-winged Conehead on an AI-powered camera requires a specific focus on macro-environment placement. Because these insects live almost exclusively among tall stalks, your camera should be mounted on a low stake or tripod roughly 12 to 18 inches off the ground. Aim your lens toward a south-facing patch of long grass or reeds, as these insects prefer the warmest spots to sit and stridulate (sing) during the day. If your camera has adjustable focus, set it for a close range to ensure the intricate wing veins and conical head are sharp.

Since these insects aren't traditionally attracted to 'bait' like mammals are, your best bet is to provide a 'natural stage.' Look for prominent seed heads or tall stalks that stand slightly above the rest of the vegetation; coneheads often climb these to project their song. If you are in a suburban area, placing your camera near the edge of a garden pond or a 'no-mow' zone will increase your chances of a sighting. Because they are small, ensure your camera's motion sensitivity is set to the highest possible level, or use time-lapse mode to catch them as they move through the grass.

Timing is critical for photography. The best footage is often captured on bright, still days when the insects are most active and likely to move into the open. Side-lighting from the morning or late afternoon sun can create a beautiful translucent effect on their long wings, making them stand out against the green background. If your camera supports audio recording, listen for a constant, high-frequency hiss—if you hear it, the conehead is likely within a few feet of your lens, even if it is currently hidden behind a blade of grass.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Long-winged Conehead.

Short-winged Conehead

Almost identical in color, but its wings are significantly shorter than its abdomen, making it unable to fly.

Great Green Bush-cricket

Much larger (up to 5cm) and lacks the distinctive pointed, conical head shape of the conehead species.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are most visible and vocal on warm, sunny afternoons between July and September when the temperature is high enough for them to sing and fly.

The best way to attract them is to leave a patch of your lawn to grow long. They require tall grass or reeds for cover and rely on the seeds of these plants for food. Avoid using pesticides, as they also eat aphids and other small insects.

They have an omnivorous diet. They primarily feed on the seeds and pollen of grasses and reeds, but they also act as helpful garden predators by eating aphids and other small, soft-bodied invertebrates.

Yes, they have expanded their range significantly in recent decades. They are increasingly common in suburban gardens, road verges, and urban parks, provided there is sufficient tall vegetation that isn't frequently mown.

The easiest way is to look at the wings; in the Long-winged Conehead, the wings extend past the end of the abdomen, whereas in the Short-winged variety, they are much shorter. However, be careful with nymphs, as their wings haven't fully developed yet!

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