Insects and Spiders

This Is Why They Call Them Fork-tailed

This was one of the most colorful katydid nymphs I've run into. And with this shot, not only did I get it identified to species, but found out why they have that name. The male supra-anal plate is large & inflated with lobes that form a deep U, or fork shape. They are talking about the male's butt shape in layman terms. To me it looks more like a trident than a fork.
Fork-tailed Bush Katydid nymph (Scudderia furcata)

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