Giant Hooded Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana) Care Sheet
The Giant Hooded Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana) is a spectacular large green orthopteran valued for its impressive size, leaf-like appearance and fascinating behaviour.
Sometimes referred to simply as the Giant Katydid, this species has the classic appearance associated with tropical katydids: long antennae, powerful hind legs and broad green wings that provide excellent camouflage amongst vegetation.
Unlike predatory katydids, Stilpnochlora couloniana is primarily herbivorous. Successful husbandry therefore revolves around providing a continuous supply of suitable fresh vegetation alongside a spacious, well-ventilated enclosure.
Vertical space is particularly important. Katydids must hang securely during moulting, and inadequate clearance can result in malformed legs, wings or other serious moulting problems.
Successful husbandry requires a tall well-ventilated enclosure, abundant climbing vegetation, suitable pesticide-free food plants, moderate warmth, appropriate humidity and generous unobstructed moulting space.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Stilpnochlora couloniana
Common names: Giant Hooded Katydid, Giant Katydid
Order: Orthoptera
Family: Tettigoniidae
Origin: Tropical South America
Adult size: Approximately 5–8 cm body length, with females generally larger
Diet: Primarily herbivorous
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Activity: Primarily crepuscular/nocturnal
Temperature: Approximately 22–28°C
Humidity: Moderate to moderately high
Housing: Tall, well-ventilated enclosure
Handling: Occasional and gentle
Jumping: Yes
Flight: Adults possess wings and may flutter or fly
Experience level: Beginner to intermediate
Major requirements: Vertical space, ventilation, fresh food plants and safe moulting surfaces
Natural Distribution
Stilpnochlora couloniana originates from tropical regions of:
South America.
It inhabits warm vegetated environments where its green colouration provides excellent camouflage amongst leaves.
Natural Habitat
The species is associated with:
- Tropical vegetation
- Shrubs
- Trees
- Dense leafy growth
- Forest-edge vegetation
It spends much of its life above ground.
Arboreal Lifestyle
This is fundamentally an:
arboreal insect.
A low terrestrial enclosure is therefore inappropriate.
The enclosure should emphasise height, vegetation and climbing surfaces.
Appearance
Adults are predominantly:
bright green.
Their broad wings resemble leaves and provide excellent camouflage.
The overall appearance can include:
- Broad green wings
- Long slender legs
- Extremely long antennae
- Powerful hind legs
- Leaf-like body contours
Camouflage
When resting amongst vegetation, a Giant Hooded Katydid can be surprisingly difficult to locate despite its large size.
Its shape and colour help break up the outline of the body.
Adult Size
Adults generally reach approximately:
5–8 cm in body length, depending upon sex and individual development.
The long legs and antennae make the animal appear considerably larger.
Antennae
The antennae are extremely long and important sensory structures.
They are used to investigate:
- Vegetation
- Obstacles
- Food
- Other katydids
- The surrounding environment
Never restrain the animal by its antennae.
Hind Legs
The enlarged hind legs are adapted for:
jumping.
An adult or large nymph can leap suddenly when disturbed.
Flight
Adults possess developed wings.
They may:
- Flutter
- Glide
- Fly short distances
depending upon individual condition and circumstances.
Always open the enclosure in a secure room.
Housing
A tall enclosure is essential.
Suitable housing includes:
- Mesh insect enclosures
- Tall ventilated terrariums
- Hybrid mesh/acrylic enclosures
- Purpose-built orthopteran housing
Enclosure Size
For a small number of adults, an enclosure approximately:
45 × 45 × 60 cm or larger
provides a useful starting point.
Larger groups require additional space.
Height
Height is particularly important because katydids must be able to:
- Climb
- Feed naturally
- Hang
- Moult
- Expand their wings after the final moult
Moulting Clearance
A katydid must have enough unobstructed space beneath its chosen moulting position to completely withdraw from its old exoskeleton.
Insufficient clearance can cause:
- Bent legs
- Damaged wings
- Failed moults
- Permanent deformity
- Death
Mesh Enclosures
Mesh enclosures work particularly well because they provide:
- Excellent ventilation
- Large climbing surfaces
- Numerous moulting locations
However, mesh size must be appropriate for the size of the animals.
Nymph Housing
Very young nymphs may require finer mesh than adults.
Ventilation openings must not allow hatchlings to escape.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is one of the most important aspects of katydid husbandry.
Constantly stagnant, saturated conditions can contribute to:
- Mould
- Poor moulting
- Bacterial growth
- General decline
Cross Ventilation
Where solid-sided enclosures are used, provide substantial:
cross ventilation.
Furnishings
The enclosure should contain abundant climbing material.
Suitable furnishings include:
- Fresh food branches
- Bramble
- Safe hardwood branches
- Artificial foliage
- Pesticide-free live plants
Branch Arrangement
Arrange branches so that the insects can move freely throughout the enclosure.
Leave some clear vertical space for moulting.
Do not pack the enclosure so densely that a moulting insect cannot hang freely.
Substrate
The floor can be lined with:
- Paper towel
- Coco fibre
- Organic soil
- Other suitable invertebrate substrate
The best choice depends partly upon whether breeding is intended.
Paper Towel
Paper towel is useful for simple non-breeding setups because it:
- Makes cleaning easy
- Allows waste to be monitored
- Reduces mould accumulation
Natural Substrate
A natural soil-based substrate is more appropriate when females require egg-laying opportunities.
It should be:
- Free from pesticides
- Free from fertilisers
- Slightly moisture retentive
Temperature
A useful temperature range is approximately:
22–28°C.
Around:
24–26°C
works well for many captive animals.
Night Temperature
A modest nighttime reduction is acceptable.
Avoid prolonged exposure to cold conditions.
Excessive Heat
Avoid prolonged temperatures above approximately:
30°C.
High temperatures can cause dehydration and stress.
Heating
If additional heating is required, use:
- Warm room temperatures
- Gentle external heating
- Thermostatically controlled equipment
Thermostat
Dedicated heating equipment should ideally be controlled by:
a reliable thermostat.
Direct Sunlight
Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight.
A transparent enclosure can become dangerously hot within a short period.
Humidity
Moderate to moderately high humidity is appropriate.
Approximately:
60–80% relative humidity
provides a useful broad guide.
However, good airflow remains essential.
Humidity and Ventilation
The aim is not to create a permanently wet enclosure.
Provide:
appropriate humidity with excellent ventilation.
Misting
Light misting can be carried out as required.
Droplets on leaves also provide drinking opportunities.
Drying Cycle
Allow foliage and enclosure surfaces to dry partially between mistings.
Constant saturation encourages mould and poor hygiene.
Drinking
Katydids commonly drink:
water droplets from leaves and enclosure surfaces.
Light misting can therefore provide hydration.
Water Dish
Open water dishes are generally unnecessary.
They can create drowning risks for small nymphs.
Lighting
Provide a normal:
day/night cycle.
Specialised UVB lighting is not generally required.
Nocturnal Behaviour
The species is primarily:
crepuscular and nocturnal.
Feeding and movement often increase after the lights are reduced.
Diet
Stilpnochlora couloniana is primarily:
herbivorous.
A continuous supply of suitable fresh vegetation is fundamental.
Bramble
Pesticide-free bramble is one of the most useful staple food plants for many captive leaf-eating orthopterans.
Suitable bramble includes:
- Blackberry
- Raspberry
Only collect from safe locations.
Other Food Plants
Depending upon the established diet of the captive stock, suitable foods may include leaves from:
- Rose
- Oak
- Hazel
- Hawthorn
- Other known safe browse plants
Introduce unfamiliar foods cautiously.
Food Plant Identification
Never offer a plant unless you are confident of its identification and safety.
Do not assume that because an insect eats a leaf it is harmless.
Pesticide Risk
Pesticide contamination is one of the greatest risks associated with collected vegetation.
Avoid plants collected from:
- Road verges
- Sprayed gardens
- Agricultural land
- Public areas treated with herbicides or pesticides
- Recently purchased garden-centre plants
Garden-Centre Plants
Commercial ornamental plants may have been treated with systemic insecticides.
Do not place newly purchased plants directly into an insect enclosure unless their pesticide history is known to be safe.
Washing Leaves
Rinsing foliage can remove surface dirt but:
cannot reliably remove systemic pesticides absorbed into plant tissue.
Safe sourcing is more important than washing alone.
Keeping Cut Branches Fresh
Fresh branches can be placed into water containers to slow wilting.
However, the water must be inaccessible to the insects.
Water Containers for Branches
Cover the opening around plant stems using:
- Fine mesh
- Foam
- Cotton
- Another secure barrier
This prevents nymphs from falling into the water and drowning.
Fresh Food
Replace browse when it becomes:
- Dry
- Wilted
- Mouldy
- Heavily eaten
Fresh foliage should remain available continuously.
Fruit
Small amounts of suitable fruit may sometimes be accepted.
However, fruit should not replace:
fresh leafy browse as the dietary foundation.
Protein
This species should not be treated as a predatory katydid requiring routine live prey.
Its captive diet should remain predominantly based on appropriate plant material.
Feeding Observation
Different captive lines may show preferences for particular browse plants.
When acquiring animals, ask the breeder:
what plants the colony is already feeding on successfully.
Moulting
Moulting is one of the most critical stages of husbandry.
Nymphs must repeatedly shed their exoskeleton as they grow.
Pre-Moult
A nymph approaching a moult may:
- Reduce feeding
- Stop feeding
- Become less active
- Remain hanging in one position
Avoid disturbing it.
Hanging to Moult
Katydids normally moult while:
hanging from vegetation, branches or mesh.
Gravity assists the insect in withdrawing from the old exoskeleton.
Moulting Space
There must be enough open space beneath the insect for:
- Body
- Legs
- Antennae
to extend fully.
Do Not Touch
Never deliberately move a katydid once moulting has begun.
Even minor disturbance can result in a failed moult.
Freshly Moulted Katydid
Immediately after moulting, the insect is:
- Soft
- Vulnerable
- Often paler than normal
Leave it completely undisturbed while the new exoskeleton hardens.
Exuvia
The discarded exoskeleton is called the:
exuvia.
It can be removed during routine maintenance once the insect has moved away.
Final Moult
The final moult produces the fully winged adult.
This moult requires particularly generous space because the new wings must:
expand and harden correctly.
Wing Deformities
Damaged or crumpled adult wings can result from:
- Insufficient moulting space
- Falling during the final moult
- Overcrowding
- Physical obstruction
Once the insect is an adult, wing deformities cannot be corrected through another moult.
Handling
Occasional gentle handling is possible, but unnecessary handling should be avoided.
Katydids are:
- Delicate
- Capable of jumping
- Capable of dropping from the hand
- Potentially capable of flight as adults
Safe Handling
Allow the insect to:
walk onto your hand.
Do not grab it around the body.
Never Hold by the Legs
Never pick up a katydid by:
- Hind legs
- Antennae
- Wings
These structures can be damaged.
Jumping
Always anticipate sudden jumps.
Handle close to a safe surface rather than standing over a hard floor.
Biting
A large katydid may potentially nip if restrained.
Routine handling should therefore remain gentle and voluntary.
Hand Hygiene
Wash hands before handling if you have recently used:
- Insect repellent
- Cleaning chemicals
- Nicotine products
- Perfume
- Other potentially harmful substances
Wash hands again after enclosure maintenance.
Group Housing
Compatible individuals can often be maintained in groups when sufficient:
- Space
- Food
- Climbing surfaces
- Moulting sites
are provided.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding increases the risk of:
- Moulting interference
- Physical damage
- Competition
- Disturbance
Provide substantially more room as the insects grow.
Nymph Cannibalism
Although primarily herbivorous, crowded or nutritionally stressed insects may damage vulnerable cage mates.
Freshly moulted individuals are particularly vulnerable.
Adequate space and constant food availability reduce problems.
Sexing
Adult males and females can be distinguished by examining the end of the abdomen.
Females possess a visible:
ovipositor.
Ovipositor
The ovipositor is used to place eggs into suitable laying material.
Its presence is one of the easiest ways to identify a mature female.
Adult Females
Females are generally:
- Larger
- More heavily built
- Equipped with an ovipositor
Adult Males
Males are commonly:
- Smaller
- More slender
Mature males may also become more active when searching for females.
Calling Songs
Male katydids can produce sound through:
stridulation.
The wings contain specialised structures used to create mating calls.
Night-Time Noise
Prospective keepers should understand that adult males may call:
during the evening or night.
This can be surprisingly audible.
The enclosure may therefore be unsuitable for a bedroom if nighttime sound is a concern.
Breeding
Breeding is possible when healthy mature males and females are maintained under suitable conditions.
Courtship
Males may call to attract females.
Courtship involves acoustic and physical communication.
Mating
Compatible adults may mate within the enclosure.
Avoid unnecessary disturbance during mating.
Spermatophore
Like many orthopterans, reproduction involves transfer of a:
spermatophore.
Females may consume parts of the associated spermatophylax after mating.
This provides nutrients associated with reproduction.
Egg Laying
Females use the ovipositor to deposit eggs into suitable material.
Depending upon species biology, eggs may be placed into:
- Soil
- Plant material
- Suitable substrate
A breeding enclosure should therefore include an appropriate laying area.
Egg-Laying Substrate
A container of slightly moist suitable substrate can provide a practical egg-laying site.
The substrate should be deep enough to accommodate the female’s ovipositor comfortably.
Egg Collection
Eggs can be left in the laying substrate or carefully transferred when necessary.
Avoid unnecessary handling.
Egg Incubation
Incubation should provide:
- Appropriate warmth
- Moderate moisture
- Ventilation
The substrate should not become saturated.
Development Time
Egg development can be prolonged.
Temperature and other environmental conditions influence incubation.
Patience is required.
Do Not Discard Substrate Too Soon
Eggs can remain apparently inactive for a considerable period.
Do not assume an egg-laying container has failed simply because nymphs do not appear quickly.
Hatchlings
Newly emerged nymphs are much smaller and more delicate than adults.
They require:
- Fine escape-proof ventilation
- Small fresh food leaves
- Appropriate humidity
- Excellent ventilation
- Numerous fine climbing surfaces
Hatchling Enclosures
Young nymphs can be housed in smaller tall enclosures while still receiving generous vertical moulting space.
Do not use an enclosure so large that locating hatchlings and monitoring feeding becomes impossible.
Hatchling Food
Offer tender leaves from the same safe food plants accepted by the adult colony.
Ensure food remains fresh.
Hatchling Hydration
Fine misting can provide small drinking droplets.
Avoid producing large standing droplets or open water areas that could trap tiny nymphs.
Growth
Nymphs grow through a series of moults.
As they increase in size:
- Increase enclosure space
- Increase food quantity
- Provide stronger branches
- Maintain generous moulting clearance
Cleaning
Routine maintenance includes:
- Removing droppings
- Removing dead leaves
- Replacing wilted food plants
- Removing mould
- Cleaning branch-water containers
Floor Cleaning
Paper-lined enclosures are particularly easy to maintain because the floor can be replaced frequently.
Natural substrate requires more selective spot cleaning.
Mould
Mould commonly develops when:
- Ventilation is poor
- Dead vegetation accumulates
- The enclosure remains constantly wet
Remove mouldy material and improve environmental conditions.
Household Chemicals
Katydids are extremely vulnerable to insecticides.
Keep the enclosure away from:
- Fly sprays
- Flea treatments
- Ant killers
- Garden pesticides
- Household insecticides
Aerosols
Avoid spraying near the enclosure:
- Air freshener
- Perfume
- Cleaning sprays
- Deodorising aerosols
Nicotine
Nicotine is a potent insecticidal compound.
Anyone who smokes or handles nicotine products should wash their hands thoroughly before handling insects or their food plants.
Health
Many health problems are related to:
- Poor ventilation
- Pesticide exposure
- Inadequate food
- Dehydration
- Failed moults
- Overcrowding
- Excessive heat
Warning Signs
Potential concerns include:
- Repeated failed moults
- Inability to grip surfaces
- Severe loss of coordination
- Persistent refusal to feed outside pre-moult
- Unexplained deaths across a colony
- Malformed limbs after moulting
Failed Moults
A failed moult can be caused by multiple factors.
Check:
- Enclosure height
- Moulting surfaces
- Humidity
- Ventilation
- Temperature
- General nutrition
Lost Legs
Nymphs may sometimes lose limbs following injury.
Some regeneration may occur during later moults.
Adults cannot regenerate damage through another moult because they have completed their final moult.
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Using an enclosure that is too short
- Providing inadequate moulting clearance
- Keeping the enclosure constantly wet
- Providing poor ventilation
- Allowing food plants to wilt completely
- Using pesticide-contaminated vegetation
- Collecting plants from roadsides
- Using newly purchased garden-centre plants without knowing their chemical history
- Leaving open water around cut plant stems
- Overcrowding
- Handling a moulting insect
- Grabbing the insect by its legs or antennae
- Underestimating jumping and flight
- Failing to provide appropriate egg-laying substrate to breeding females
Are Giant Hooded Katydids Suitable for Beginners?
Stilpnochlora couloniana can be suitable for a prepared beginner.
The main requirements are straightforward:
- Tall enclosure
- Excellent ventilation
- Appropriate food plants
- Warm temperatures
- Moderate humidity
- Safe moulting space
The greatest practical challenge is maintaining a reliable supply of:
safe pesticide-free vegetation.
For this reason, the species can be considered:
beginner to intermediate.
Display Value
Giant Hooded Katydids make impressive display insects.
Their:
- Large size
- Bright green colour
- Leaf-like wings
- Long antennae
- Nocturnal behaviour
make them particularly attractive in planted vertical enclosures.
Educational Value
The species provides excellent opportunities to observe:
- Camouflage
- Herbivory
- Orthopteran anatomy
- Stridulation
- Moulting
- Wing development
- Sexual dimorphism
- Egg laying
- Incomplete metamorphosis
Incomplete Metamorphosis
Katydids undergo:
incomplete metamorphosis.
Their life cycle is:
Egg → Nymph → Adult
There is no pupal stage.
Responsible Sourcing
Captive-bred animals should be preferred whenever available.
When purchasing stock, ask:
- Is the scientific identification confirmed?
- Are the animals captive bred?
- What food plants are they currently eating?
- What temperature are they maintained at?
- What developmental stage are they?
Knowing the established food plant is particularly useful when moving animals to a new home.
Identification
Common names such as “Giant Katydid” can be applied to numerous unrelated species.
Always use the scientific name:
Stilpnochlora couloniana
when identifying captive stock.
Legal Considerations
Regulations concerning exotic plant-eating insects can be particularly strict in some jurisdictions because of their potential agricultural impact.
Restrictions may apply to:
- Import
- Export
- Possession
- Breeding
- Sale
- Transport
Always verify current regulations applicable to your location before obtaining the species.
Never Release Captive Katydids
Never release:
- Adults
- Nymphs
- Eggs
into the environment.
Plant-eating exotic insects can potentially cause ecological or agricultural problems outside their natural range.
Disposal of Eggs
If breeding substrate is being discarded, ensure that it does not contain viable eggs.
Do not place potentially occupied substrate directly into outdoor compost or gardens.
Responsible Ownership
Before obtaining Stilpnochlora couloniana, ensure you can provide:
- A tall secure enclosure
- Excellent ventilation
- Generous moulting clearance
- Safe climbing surfaces
- Appropriate warmth
- Suitable humidity
- A continuous supply of pesticide-free food plants
- Appropriate egg-laying substrate if breeding
- Secure housing for hatchlings
Summary
The Giant Hooded Katydid (Stilpnochlora couloniana) is a spectacular large South American orthopteran characterised by its vivid green colouration, broad leaf-like wings, extremely long antennae and powerful jumping legs.
Successful husbandry requires a tall, well-ventilated enclosure containing abundant climbing vegetation and generous unobstructed moulting space.
For a small number of adults, an enclosure around 45 × 45 × 60 cm or larger provides a useful starting point.
A temperature range of approximately 22–28°C, with around 24–26°C suitable for many captive animals, provides a useful general target.
Moderate to moderately high humidity should be combined with excellent ventilation. Constantly wet, stagnant housing should be avoided.
The species is primarily herbivorous and requires a continuous supply of safe pesticide-free vegetation. Bramble and other established safe browse plants can form the basis of the diet.
Moulting space is critical. Nymphs must be able to hang freely beneath branches, vegetation or mesh while withdrawing from the old exoskeleton. The final moult requires enough room for the adult wings to expand correctly.
Adults may jump and can potentially flutter or fly, so the enclosure should only be opened in a secure room.
Mature females possess a visible ovipositor and can deposit eggs into suitable laying material. Hatchlings require fine escape-proof housing and the same attention to ventilation and moulting clearance as adults.
With appropriate vegetation, excellent ventilation and generous vertical space, Stilpnochlora couloniana makes an impressive display species and provides an excellent opportunity to observe the complete development of a large tropical orthopteran.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace current species-specific research or applicable wildlife, agricultural, import or invasive-species legislation.
Vertical moulting space is essential. Katydids must hang freely while moulting, and inadequate clearance can result in permanent deformity or death.
Provide excellent ventilation. Moderate humidity should never be achieved by keeping the enclosure constantly saturated or stagnant.
The species requires a continuous supply of appropriate pesticide-free food plants. Never use vegetation from sprayed gardens, agricultural areas, contaminated roadsides or other locations where chemical exposure is possible.
Recently purchased ornamental plants may contain systemic pesticides that cannot simply be washed away.
If cut food branches are kept in water, completely block access to the water container to prevent nymphs from drowning.
Never handle a moulting or freshly moulted katydid.
Adults can jump and may fly, so enclosure maintenance should take place in a secure room.
Never release captive adults, nymphs or eggs into the environment.
Always verify current regulations concerning possession, breeding, sale, transport, import and export in your jurisdiction, particularly because exotic plant-eating insects may be subject to agricultural restrictions.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026