[2] This species can be encountered in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, in the Near East, and in North Africa,[3] especially in meadows, grasslands, prairies and occasionally in gardens at an elevation up to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) above sea level.

Tettigonia viridissima is distinguished by its very long and thin antennae, which can sometimes reach up to three times the length of the body, thus differentiating them from grasshoppers, which always carry short antennae.

The morphology of both sexes is very similar, but the female has an egg-laying organ (ovipositor) that can reach a length of 23–32 millimetres (0.91–1.26 in).

[5] The larvae are green and as the imago show a thin brown longitudinal stripe on their back.

[4] Unlike grasshoppers, it is essentially active in day and night, as testified by its endless crepuscular and nocturnal singing.