Species found in the family Tettigoniidae are differentiated from other ensifera by the presence of forewings that can be held away from the body modified to help with both leaf mimicry and acoustics, as well as the female ovipositor.

The common garden katydid strongly resembles a small leaf in appearance with a grass-like, green coloration, measuring at about 4–6 cm as an adult.

The velvety pronotum on common garden katydids are distinctly keeled, marked with a yellow stripe, having an anterior notched margin and a rounded posterior.

[4] While they are not Caedicia simplex it is worth noting that other species of katydid in the shared family of Tettigoniidae are present on all other continents excluding Antarctica.

[1] In the original description of Caedicia simplex and analysis of their distribution throughout New Zealand Walker stated that they were abundant throughout the whole of the North Island going so far south as Greymouth, NZ.

Nymphs lacking the size, wings, and full green color of their adult counterparts must undergo numerous molts in order to reach maturity.

Approximately two to three months after birth nymphs will enter their final molt, which results in the growth of wings and a realization of their full size.

[2] Full adulthood does not occur until late in the one year life of the katydid so their mating period is what becomes essential as soon as the final molt has finished.

Adult katydids, after mating in the autumn months, usually die off as the colder portion of the year settles in while their eggs are waiting for spring, repeating the life cycle.

Females in the family Phaneropterinae are unique in the fact that many are able to respond to the male calls by rubbing spines or pegs on their hind wings on veins on the tegmen, but this subject remains largely unstudied.