Treat it just like any other cricket or grasshopper - it will jump and it may be capable of flight depending on the species. It will certainly have the ability to jump out if you open the cage to clean it, so be sure to do so in a controlled area so you can re-capture the insect. Or perhaps attempt to net it or something after opening the cage before you start cleaning... use your imagination ; )

You'll ultimately need a male and a female to culture them. Be sure to obtain the same species you collected as before to prevent cannibalism... females will have what is called an ovipositor at the base of their abdomen (rear end) that is used to lay eggs. For most katydids this looks like a large hook-like structure sticking out of the back of the insect. Its often quite cryptic like the rest of the insect and will likely resemble a young leaf shoot. Adult males will lack this structure.

If possible, you'll want to grab some leaves and twigs from the plant you obtained the insect(s) from. This is usually a good practice in case females have a preference for specific host plants in which to lay their eggs. If you are lucky and get successful breeding, the female may lay eggs on these stems and leaves. Some insects are generalists and will lay their eggs on just about anything when ready, others prefer specific plant species.

As for feeding - you can probably get by rearing them otherwise the same as a cricket or locust. They will consume grain product and will readily eat leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits as a source of hydration.

I would also keep some kind of soil substrate in the bottom of the critter keeper to better maintain at least some humidity for the benefit of the eggs and the katydids.


Thats about the best advice I can offer without knowing any of the specifics. I've cultured northern bush katydids before with limited success in captivity; I didn't put in nearly enough effort to maintain a colony of them but managed to get reproduction, eggs, and a few lucky hatchlings.