Description

Over all length 11 to 17mm. Very similar to the Oak Bush-cricket, but without wings. The entire insect is pale green with a yellow line along the centre from its head to the tip of the abdomen. There are also two pinkish markings on the pronotum, which have black dots at the end towards the head. The Oak Bush-cricket has similar marks but the black dots are slightly more distanced from the pink. The male cerci are longer and more curved on M. meridionale and the ovipositor more curved towards the tip on female M. meridionale.

Habitat

The lower branches of a range of trees and bushes, including Oak.

Status and distribution

Mostly restricted to the south of Britain but with outlying populations as far north as Yorkshire. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire but a significant colony was recently found at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

Adults from July to November.