Jumping up a level: Target distance and angle estimation facilitates successful landing in a jumping glass katydid

Jumping is one of the most used forms of locomotion by insects, and a characteristic trait of the Orthoptera (locusts, crickets, and allies). Their specialized jumping behaviors have evolved for various functions, including travel, predator evasion, and flight initiation. While these jumping behaviors have been studied, targeted jumps required for navigating complex environments and hunting have received little attention. Here, we document a vertical jumping behavior in a species of neotropical predatory bush cricket (Phlugis cf. celerinicta. Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae), which uses visual cues to estimate target distance. Jumping kinematics were adjusted between jump heights (50mm, 75mm, and 100mm), with an increase in linear velocity and decrease in angular velocity at higher target heights. Body and leg postures also varied between jump heights. This study provides evidence that P. celerinicta can independently control both the speed at take-off and rotation rate based on target distance to achieve a precise and controlled landing.