Question:
We found flat greenish overlapping scales on a twig. They almost look like oval fish scales. Is this a "scale" insect or eggs some pest insect that we should destroy? (A digital photo was attached using the Send-a-Question feature on the HGIC website.)
Answer: These are the eggs of a katydid, a popular insect whose katy-did-katy-didn't call entertains on summer nights. A beautiful member of the grasshopper family, katydids have large rounded green wings that look so much like leaves that it is a real feat to find one. They nibble harmlessly on leaves and the occasional slow-moving insect such as aphid. After spring hatch, they molt out of several skins, growing larger, then use their distinctive call to find a mate and lay eggs. Only their eggs survive winter cold. No control is necessary. Enjoy.