[7] It is distinguished from its Texas relative, O. bullatum, by virtue of its narrower fastigium and by having spines on the outer ventral carinae of the hind femora,[6]: 24–25, 27  generally numbering at least six total when both sides are counted.

[7] O. pulchellum commonly has blue compound eyes,[3] a trait it shares with O. erythrocephalum,[9] on its white[3] or yellow[5] face.

At rest, its folded wings appear to have a turquoise stripe,[3] while the body is green with reddish marks around the head.

[10] It consists of a series of paired and occasional single clicks leading into a short buzz.

[8] The handsome meadow katydid is found east of the Appalachian Mountains,[10] as far north as New York state.