Potato Bugs, Jerusalem Crickets and Wetas
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Potato Bug
We wanted to add our Potato Bug to your file. We found this one in Brea, California. As you can see he his quite big. He is making a noise, like a hissing sound. Is this my imagination?
Betsy
Hi Betsy,
Certain insects are able to make a hissing sound by rubbing portions of their body together, a method known as stridulation.
Insect Question
Hi,
I live in Carlsbad, California and have been trying to figure out what type of insect this is. I found one in my kitchen a couple months ago and saw another one tonight on my doorstep – I’ve only seen it at night. It looks like a giant ant (about the length of my thumb) with some roach characteristics. Any idea what it is? I’ve attached a picture. If you could solve this mystery for me I would REALLY appreciate it. Thanks so much!!
Cecilia
Hi Cecilia,
We are posting your image and letter along with the other recent Potato Bug photos in our featured Bug of the Month for January section.
thanks!!
Hi Bugman!Thanks for the wonderful site which provided the answer to my questions of WTB!! Here are 3 pictures I took of a potato bug in my yard, hopefully you’ll find them useful…
Thanks for sending us another photo of the Bug of the Month for January 2007.
Please tell me what It is.
Hi Bugman,
I hope you could tell me what this is too. I found this in Los Angeles, California near DownTown Los Angeles on December 14, 2006. It didn’t move even if I threw a quarter or a penny. It’s more than 2"x1"x1". I believe it doesn’t have any wings and the shape might look like a bee w/o wings, or a giant ant. Hope to hear from you soon. Best Regards,
Tak S.
Hi Tak,
This is probably our most common insect query subject from southern California. This is a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket. They are subterranean dwellers that are often discovered in gardens, especially in the winter and spring during rainy season. Potato Bugs are in the family Stenopelmatidae, and in the genus Stenopelmatus. They eat roots and tubers. Because of their unusual appearance, there are many myths and superstitions about these fascinating creatures.
Please tell me what It is.
Hi Bugman,
I hope you could tell me what this is too. I found this in Los Angeles, California near DownTown Los Angeles on December 14, 2006. It didn’t move even if I threw a quarter or a penny. It’s more than 2"x1"x1". I believe it doesn’t have any wings and the shape might look like a bee w/o wings, or a giant ant. Hope to hear from you soon. Best Regards,
Tak S.
Hi Tak,
This is probably our most common insect query subject from southern California. This is a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket. They are subterranean dwellers that are often discovered in gardens, especially in the winter and spring during rainy season.
Termite?
Hi,
This bug sounded so loud rooting around in our trash can we thought it was a mouse! Pretty big, looks like a termite, but not sure, can you identify it for us? We found it in our basement in Oakland, CA. Thanks,
Celeste and Steve
Hi Celeste and Steve,
Armed with the information that this is a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket, you should be able to find enough information on our site and elsewhere online to write a term paper.
What is this bug?
I live in pasadena,ca and found this guy on my driveway. any idea what it is?
thanks,
Rod, April and Makenna Hicks
Pasadena, CA
Hi Hicks Family,
The Potato Bug, along with the House Centipede, are our most frequent query subjects, which is why there is always a photo of each on our homepage.
need help, what is this weird bug
Dear Bugman,
See attached picture of this bug we found in my garage. It is at least 2 inches long. We live in Santa Monica California. Any idea? Is it dangerous? What should I do with it? Thank you very much for the information. Regards,
Neil Morley and Rachel Bennahum
Hi Neil and Rachel,
The Potato Bug has several other common names including Jerusalem Cricket, Sand Puppy, and in Spanish, Ni
what is this bug?
Recently, my family and I went for a walk and saw this creepy crawly cross our path (see attachment). It was approx. the size of a mouse and moved at about the same speed. I have tried to figure out what it could be but can’t seem to make any progress. It appears to be a very large type of ant but it’s hind legs look like a spider’s. Also, it was about 3" long. Please advise. Please accept my apologies for the quality of the photo as I took it with my cell phone. I sharpened the image a bit in photoshop. Thank you,
Marv Peters
Hi Marv,
Our homepage is never without a photo of a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket, so we can’t understand how you missed it.
What’s THIS bug???
Last night, late I stepped out to let the dog out and saw a big critter on the patio. I got out my flashlight and saw this enormous bug. I scooped him into a glass to take a few pics. He was nearly two inches long! I returned him to the wild, out of my curious dog’s reach. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this. I live in Southern California. Is he dangerous? He sort of looks that way. He has three stinger type things on his tail. Looking forward to learn more, if you can help!
Scott Cuzzo
Hi Scott,
We are thrilled that you wrote back that you identified your Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket from our site. The photo is truly gorgeous.
king crickets
Hi guys,
I have been searching the web trying to find information on these guys other wise called wetas. I can find lots on the New Zealand version but we are in Brisbane QLD. I have two variations at the moment but we are not sure if their colour variation means that they are a sub species or just that their colour varies. The three I have are only on loan for a week, so I can photograph them. I would however like to know a little more about their habits, like how long they live? I have a couple of pics of only one variety that I shall attach to this email. If you can offer any info or point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Sam
Hi Sam,
We really don’t know much about Wetas, also called Saddleback Bush Crickets. They are not true crickets, and are in the same family as the Jerusalem Cricket or Potato Bug found in the arid regions of the American Southwest. Try searching our Potato Bug page for old links to Weta information.
Strange bug in Northern Utah (cricket?)
I came across a very strange bug in the Bear Lake Valley in northern Utah at our cabin (photo attached). While I have seen my share of crickets, most recently by the tens of thousands crossing Nevada from our California home, I have never seen a bug like this. Is it a cricket?
Randy
Hi Randy,
The Jerusalem Cricket is not a true cricket. It is commonly called a Potato Bug.
