Thoracistus
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| Thoracistus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Thoracistus sp., male in mid-winter, calling at dusk from a marsh edge | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Orthoptera |
| Suborder: | Ensifera |
| Family: | Tettigoniidae |
| Subfamily: | Tettigoniinae |
| Tribe: | Arytropteridini |
| Genus: | Thoracistus Pictet, 1888 |
Thoracistus is a genus of decticine or shield-backed katydids in the family Tettigoniidae.[1] The mostly carnivorous genus is endemic to South Africa.[2]
This genus of decticine is extreme in the extent of its inflated pronotum. The pronotum completely conceals the tiny wings, which are used for stridulation only.[2] The pronotum functions as a resonating chamber, to amplify the singing of the male. As in all decticines a "free plantula" is found at the base of the tarsus of the jumping leg. This pair of elongate pads may aid jumping in ground biomes.[2]