This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

You measure my life in hours, and I serve you by expiring.  I’m quick when I’m thin, and slow when I’m fat.  The wind is my enemy.

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Nocturnal and related to the cricket, the katydid is a fascinating insect to discover.

Here are a few quick facts about the katydid:

• Size:  maturing to about 3 inches in length
• Color:  “leaf” green, brown, pink, tan
• Habitat:  wooded or shrub areas
• Diet:  leaves, nectar, and fruit

Sometimes confused with a grasshopper, the katydid’s body features large hind legs and a long, thread-like antennae.  A grasshopper’s antennae is smaller in length.  It’s leaf-like appearance offers camouflage when surrounded by leaves and other plants.  Related to the cricket, they are frequently referred to as bush crickets.

The katydid is found on every continent, except for Antarctica.  They are known for their singing at night where one might hear a trilling, chirping sound of “katy-did-katy-didn’t.”

The life cycle of the katydid begins with the insertion of eggs into plant stems during the fall season.  Over the winter, the eggs wait patiently for late spring when they hatch into nymphs.  After several molts, the nymphs will mature into adults.

Despite its ability to hide among lush vegetation, the katydid is hunted by several predators:  birds, lizards, frogs, bats, and other insects.

worldwide, there are thousands of katydid species.  Here is a sample (note the differences in color).  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A candle