The Species
There are several excellent books currently on sale with detailed descriptions of the
British Orthoptera, accompanied in some cases by illustrations. Most of these contain
keys, some simple, some more technical, revealing the diagnostic features that separate
our species. These publications are listed in the bibliography. To avoid duplication the
aim here is to give a brief description of each species as far as its habitat, behavioural
patterns and relative status within the County is concerned. Only the species found, and
those which appear to have been sighted during the survey period, have been included.
Meconema thalassinum: Oak bush cricket
This is a lovely pale green, medium-sized insect, widely distributed in the County (with a
few exceptions) and being extremely common in many areas, and dependent on mature
trees and woodland, especially margins. It is often found on single, quite isolated trees,
particularly Oak, but thrives in mature woodland where it can be beaten from a variety of
trees and shrubs. The following is a list of species on which M. thalassinum has been
found. All are native, except the last two which are naturalised in Britain.
Quercus robur Common Oak
Corylus avellana Hazel
Ulmus glabra Wych Elm
Ulmus procera Common Elm
Acer campestre Field Maple
Salix caprea Goat Willow
Cornus sanguinea Dogwood
Rubus sp. Bramble
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut
Quercus cerris Turkey Oak
Being mainly nocturnal, M. thalassinum comes readily to light. It is found in moth traps as
well as around housing, particularly where there is street lighting. It ventures into
dwellings where it is commonly found on ceilings. The easiest way to locate this insect
during daylight hours is to beat it from trees and shrubs. It can be very difficult to find in
daytime, as it sits on the underside of leaves, perfectly camouflaged. The terms
"beating" or "to beat" are used by entomologists to describe the process whereby insects
may be collected from trees or shrubs. A beating tray, similar in principle to an umbrella,
but usually rectangular, is held under the branch of a tree or shrub, which is then struck
with a stout stick. This dislodges the insects allowing them to fall onto the tray (without
being harmed), where they can be studied and identified. This insect is probably
under-recorded, as it lacks the stridulatory organ on the forewings and produces only a
faint sound by 'drumming' with the hind leg after nightfall.
Surprisingly, it is uncommon in Epping Forest, although it has not been beaten for very
often in this location, and records for it in the vicinity are few. There are however,
Page 20