Oecanthus capensis, the Cape thermometer cricket, is a species of tree cricket (Subfamily Oecanthinae). It has been found that the rate at which these crickets chirp does NOT follow Dolbear's law. In this species the temperature in C can be calculated by counting the number of chirps in 3 seconds and adding 11
Similar to Oecanthus pellucens, but a little smaller; the wings shorter, elytra of the female slightly stronger, male elytra shorter. The female's ovipositor is nearly the length of elytra.
Southern, eastern and central South Africa.
Cape; capensis - after the Cape of Good Hope.<br> Thermometer cricket - The rate at which these crickets chirp can be used to the estimate the temperature.