(07/06/2004) While trying to photograph a pretty green Geometrid moth that was resting on a wall of our front porch, we moved a stump to get a better vantage and found this potato bug living under the stump. Sadly, the photo is out of focus.

Potato Bug
(Halloween 2006) 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.

Potato Bug
(10/25/2006) 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.

Weta from Australia
(10/21/2006) 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.

Jerusalem Cricket
(10/06/2006) 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.

Mexican Potato Bug
(09/23/2006) Puebla, Mexico bug
knowing you're swamped, but hoping you can help identify... at least to know if this is harmful to our kids... thanks.
Paul



Hi Paul,
Except for the coloration, this looks exactly like a Potato Bug, or in Spanish, Niño de la Tierra. These harmless insects are subterranean dwellers in the family Stenopelmatidae.

Potato Bug
(09/19/2006) Potato Bug
Hi Bugman,
On 7/11/2006, you posted a picture of the potato bug, a.k.a., the Jerusalem Cricket (which isn't really a cricket, and isn't really from Jerusalem, unless there's a Jerusalem, California.) I wanted to provide you with a few clear pictures for your site. I have more if you like. These were found in my boss' office in Simi Valley, CA.
Sean



Hi Sean,
Thanks for your submission. We always try to keep an image of a Potato Bug on our homepage. Technically, in the list of things they are not, they are not Bugs either. Jerusalem Crickets are in the family Stenopelmatidae in the order Orthoptera. Orthoptera does include crickets, grasshoppers and katydids.

Smashed Potato Bug Approached Infant
(09/02/2006) sand puppie photo
bugman, I noticed you have a few letters about sand puppies on your web page, so I took photo's of a dead one, (it got too close to my 1 year old baby, its slightly destroyed, but if you can identify the species, I'm pretty sure you can find another photo somewhere. it may come in handy when someone wants to ask about this particular solpugid. hope its useful!
D



Hi D,
We have heard the term Sand Puppy applied to Potato Bugs or Jerusalem Crickets as well, and that is what your specimen is. Though we will be posting your letter and photo on our Unnecessary Carnage page, we do not really blame your infant for the slaughter. Children just don't understand how strong they are when they squash things. Children really don't realize the importance of respecting life and hopefully your toddler will soon be cognicent enough to learn this important lesson from you.

Potato Bug
(07/11/2006) Potato Bug
Hi,
I have ran across the potato bug twice. I know its the potato bug because of your site, however, I have a question regarding the potato bug. I have three small children at home. Are these bugs aggressive? My youngest doesn't know any better but the other two wouldn't touch it if it were close... I've read your page on the potato bug and it says they have the tough jaws that pinch but would those touch jaws pinch for no reason? I'm going to go ahead and send my picture of my recent potato bug just for kick, I noticed you really don't need any more pictures.. :) Thanks for any info you can provide,
Danyelle



Hi Danyelle,
Potato Bugs are not aggressive, but they will bite if handled. You do not have to worry about them stalking your children. Though we do have numerous photos of Potato Bugs, we always like posting a new one on our homepage. Potato Bugs are one insect we always have pictured on our homepage, and your photo will remain until we receive a new image.

Horsehair Worm parasitizes Potato Bug
(06/02/2006) Potato Bug with something that busted out of it.
We found this Potato Bug on the floor in our studios, still moving. At first I thought the long black thing was intestines. When I scooped it up with a paper towel the long black then fell to the ground and moved rapidly. It appears to be a worm of some sort. How it came from this bug and what type of parasite or worm it is is not known. At first I thought someone must have accidentally stepped on the bug, but on closer examination, it appears the worm busted out of the bug. Have you seen anything like this?
Robbie Rush



Hi Robbie,
We have heard several stories about Potato Bugs being parasitized by Horsehair Worms. Dr. Bug substantiates that Horsehair Worms in the genus Gordius are Potato Bug parasites. Here is a quote from his site: "They are sometimes found dead in swimming pools and ponded waters. This is either the result of a simple drowning or a parasite infection. The horsehair worm (Gordius spp. or Paragordius spp.) can inhabit the jerusalem cricket's gut and feed. The worm can alter the behavior of the cricket and force it to seek water. Once in water, the worm bursts through the insect's abdomen and seeks a mate. The cricket dies from the wound. I have found them in ponds at O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon (1980's) and at Starr Ranch Audubon Sanctuary (2002)."

Potato Bug
(05/10/2006) Crazy Cricket?
I don`t know anything much about bugs but this one caught my attention and I can`t figure out what it is? A cricket of some kind? I live in Magalia CA. Thanks for your help.



Potato Bugs or Jerusalem Crickets are one of our most common query subjects.

Orthopteran from Argentina
(03/25/2006) What's this bug?
Hello. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I found this bug in my garden, I really don't know what it is. I thought it could be some kind of cricket, but I'm totally clueless. I hope you can tell me what it is and if it's somehow dangerous. Thank you very much,
Julie.



Hi Julie,
You have provided us with an interesting mystery. This insect most resembles a rare group of insects in New Zealand known as Wetas. Wikipedia has a nice image of a Giant Weta, Deinacrida fallai. These Wetas are Orthopterans, the Order of insects that included Crickets. They are in the Family Anostostomatidae. We have found web information that there are species of insects in the family Anostostomatidae in Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina, but cannot find images. Shortly after you sent in your photos and question, a Jonathan Simmons, sent in one of your images calling this creature a "Nasty Critter." Your specimen is a female and she is not dangerous, though some Orthopterans can bite, but do not have poison. Others have sharp spines on the legs that can do damage to human skin. Your specimen is missing the two hind legs, the jumping legs. We want to get Eric Eaton's opinion on your creature. Here is what Eric has to add: " You are quite right about the specimen missing both of its hind legs, and that really makes identification difficult. I suspect is is some kind of Copiphorinae katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. There are several tropical species still awaiting description by science, don't know if this is one of them. It is a female, as can be told by te blade-like ovipositor at the end of the abdomen. She may be immature, or simply a wingless adult."

Cave Wetas from New Zealand
(03/12/2006) Cave Wetas from NZ
Hi there,
These are cave wetas from New Zealand for your records.
Good luck
Daniel



Hi Daniel,
We are somewhat behind in answering our mail, and we love your photo. Thanks for sending it to us.

dramatic Potato Bug photo!!!
(03/04/2006) What is this thing
We found this in Huntington Beach CA and were not too sure what it is. Its about 2.5" long.
Thanks,
Matt



Hi Matt,
We get so many requests for identifications of certain creatures that we like to always have images of them on our homepage. Potato Bugs and House Centipedes are very high on that list and had you scrolled down our page, you would have found a Potato Bug. We will now replace that photo with your very dramatic image. Potato Bugs are also known as Jerusalem Crickets.

Parktown Prawn or King Cricket AKA Weta
(02/07/2006) Parktown Prawn
Dear Bugman
Not really a candidate for worst bug story ever, but definitely the reason I check inside my shoes before I put them on in the morning, don't swat anything I feel tickling my face at night, don't put my hand into dark spaces without checking first. They have a horrible black inky substance they spray when scared and jump quite high. A friend has moved house to get away from them. I've heard that they are mole crickets or king crickets? They look a lot like the camel crickets on your site? The Parktown prawn (since they used to be very prolific in the Johannesburg suburb Parktown) (Libanasidus vittatus) is a species of large South African cricket in the family Anostostomatidae. Adults are usually around 4 to 5 centimeters in length, with an antennae of 2 cm.(Wikipedia)
Lynn.



Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the great letter and photo. The family Anostostomatidae also contains the Wetas of New Zealand. This family is closely related to the family Stenopelmatidae which contains the Potato Bugs of Jerusalem Crickets of the Western U.S.

Potato Bug
(02/02/2006) what is this huge antlike thing? found in northern CA
Hi. We live in Lucas Valley 25 mins north of San Francisco. We found so far 3 of this bug - first one was almost translucent like it hadn't had enough light, 2nd was the one on the picture both found in the kitchen. 3rd found today about 3 weeks later in the hallway (other end of house) what is this thing? the house is on slab and has no attics, only way in are from an open door or thru the washer/dryer area where there looks to be a hole in the wall. Are they dangerous? They look harmless but freaky, like ants that had too much food. Our garden has a nice rose garden and has been very well tended to - there was a compost pile but was removed and I just started a new one a few weeks ago so not related I don't think.. We bought the house in December btw... Thanks for any light you can shed on this guy!
Susanne



Hi Susanne,
We always keep a photo of a Potato Bug on our homepage because we get so many questions about them. They are also known as Jerusalem Crickets and are harmless, but they do have strong jaws and can nip. They generally live underground but are fond of wandering into homes.

Mountain Of Potato Bugs: Worst Potato Bug Experience Ever
(01/19/2006) Potato bugs
Back in 1956 in San Francisco--when I was a ten year old tomboy and loved helping my dad out by doing chores in the garden--something inexplicable happened to me. It was a sunny day and I had just finished siphoning the water from our family's cement fish pond. My dad was away from the house, at work, and I was looking forward to surprising him with a clean, sparkling pond. This siphoning ritual was one that repeated itself two or three times each year. After bringing the water level down to about four inches, I would step into the water barefoot, catch the pond's large and wriggly, orange, black, and white, spotted fish, throwing them into a nearby bucket of green pond water filled with lily pads. Next I would siphon out the water even further, until only a scummy sludge was left. I would scoop out this sludge with a metal dust pan, scrub and mop the pond's cement floor, then turn on the garden hose and start adding water. A few minutes later I would squirt in some water-treating liquid, and finally I'd start tossing in fish. I had done this so many times that it was second nature to me.
On this particular day however, right after having brought the water level down to about three inches, and right after taking off my shoes and stepping into the pond, in order to start catching fish... I was startled to discover that the ground was crunchy underneath me, almost as though I were standing in a pool to which had been added buckets and buckets of popcorn. Cupping my hands together, I bent down and scooped the water, thus hoping to discover the source of this odd sensation. It was then that I beheld a mound of drowned Potato Bugs. Yes... Jerusalem Crickets! There they were, all jumbled together in a tangled, ungodly heap, filling my cupped, wet hands. And here I was, ankle deep, in a sea of, crunchy yet rubbery, sci-fi horror corpses. It grossed me out so bad! I remember suppressing a gag reflex as I jumped frantically out of the pond. I ran hose water over my feet, at full force, almost compulsively for about twenty minutes. I wanted to run away forever! To call my mom and dad on the phone, and somehow convince them to sell the house.
And yet, it was only a matter of minutes before the tough and rugged jungle queen/cowgirl (that I fancied myself to be) started to emerge again. An almost delirious calm came over me, accompanied by a mounting sense of determination. I would not be turned into a chicken-shit sissy by those miniature, ball-headed, ball-eyed monsters! So I went into the house to fetch my galoshes and my mom's rubber gloves. I jumped into that pond from hell, and scooped out every one of them. Eventually they formed a pile about two feet tall and three feet wide. I left it sitting there, at one side of the pond. It was my trophy, my multi-faced shrunken head. Proof that I could successfully make it through even the most unspeakable of horrors. Besides, I wanted my dad to see this horrific vision for himself. Perhaps he could explain it to me, reveal to me why hundreds upon hundreds of tiny monsters from the id, would tumble to watery deaths. My dad had no idea however, and neither did my mom. When I told friends and relatives about it, they looked at me aghast, as well as perplexed. I always wore my galoshes after that... before stepping into that fish pond. But even though we didn't sell our house for many, many years, the incident never repeated itself.
If you, or anyone, can explain this experience to me, or share similar [or
un-similar] experiences, I will be deeply grateful.
Sincerely,
your sister in Potato Bugs, Anya Luz Lobos

Hi Anya,
You are our new hero. We can post a link with your request that takes people to your email address if you would like. Our best explanation is that there was a population explosion that year. Potato Bugs are nocturnal ramblers and often drown in pools. What happened in your case was a perfect storm.

Hi Daniel,
Hello again, New hero? Me? Worst Potato Bug Experience Ever? ALL RIGHT!!! About posting a link... Why not? It would be fun to receive email responses. I can't help but think that maybe there are other "perfect storm" accounts waiting to be told. Still, it boggles the mind, doesn't it? I mean, wouldn't the first two or three bugs that fell in the pond yell, "Help, I'm drowning!" in their language of Jerusalem or via insect radar or whatever, thus alerting the others to the danger? Or is it possible that Potato Bugs are noble and self-sacrificing (albeit stupid) creatures, and that each of the remaining 997 Potato Bugs took the fatal plunge in an effort to save the others? In any case, thank you for the bestowal of honors. I truly do feel honored. Yay me! (This fifty-nine year old cowgirl/queen of the jungle... still rules!) Sincerely,
Anya Luz Lobos
P.S. I might be able to dig up a picture of me at age ten, sitting next to the--now historic--fish pond. Would that qualify me for your home page?



I just found the photo in one of my albums: I'm almost ten tears old and am sitting next to the pond with my best friend Beatrice. This photo was taken shortly before the "perfect storm" incident. Neither Beatrice nor I even knew that Potato Bugs existed, at that point!

Update (01/28/2006) Possible Explanation:
Horsehair worms lead Jerusalem crickets to water?
I read the account of the pond full of drowned 'potato bugs' and can offer a possible explanation -- There is a group of 'worms' (Phylum Nematomorpha: Class Gorgonioidea - unless the systematics has been reworked since I was in school) that parasitize Jerusalem crickets, among other insects and crustaceans. The adults are free-living in freshwater, do not feed, and lay their eggs in the water. The hatched young parasitize an arthropod (and sometimes leeches). They go through multiple molts in the host's body and do not emerge until they're nearly adults. They emerge, according to my book, when the host is near water. More than once, I've seen a drowned Jerusalem cricket in a puddle of water with the very active horsehair worm that had just emerged. I recall my prof saying that the gordioid worms actually may be able to 'force' the Jerusalem crickets to enter pools deep enough to drown them (the Jerusalem cricket, that is), if there were no other water source available, but no one had figured out how that worked. The description of the pile of drowned Jerusalem crickets in the backyard pond your correspondent described is truly impressive -- maybe they had a thriving population of horsehair worms in the garden! Your site is truly wonderful ---
Kathy

Update (05/17/2006) The Potato Bug Perfect Storm, 1956
Hello Bugman, I came across your What's That Bug site with its description of the 1956 "Perfect Storm" of potato bugs. FYI, this Wikipedia article on Nematomorpha (horsehair worms) says that one that parasitises grasshoppers is able to influence an infected grasshopper to enter deep water and drown. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsehair_Worm It was especially interesting to me that "your sister in Potato Bugs, Anya Luz Lobos," used the phrase "monster from the id" to describe her 1956 experience. That phrase comes from the classic sci-fi movie /The Forbidden Planet/, which was released in 1956! It described monsters created by the planet's machinery from the deepest fears of the people whom they attacked. Once the characters in the film understood this, they were able to control the monsters by not fearing them. Ms. Lobos described overcoming her fear of the potato bugs in much the same way! You'll never guess the star of /The Forbidden Planet!/
Sincerely,
Steve Collins

Hi Steve,
We believe the stars of Forbidden Planet are Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen and Robbie the Robot. Are we missing something????

Weta Carnage in Australia
(12/21/2005)Scary Australian bug
Hi,
I saw your site listed as a Bonzer site on This Is True a little while back. When my wife found this terrifying bug last night, I immediately thought of you in trying to identify it. My wife went to the loo last night and saw this thing sitting on the top of the doorframe. She exited as quickly as possible and called me. After about ten minutes of spirited discussion we summoned up the courage (and tools) necessary to approach it. I took the first photo after we'd managed to knock it on to the toilet floor. After that I took it outside, emptied it from the container we'd captured it in and executed it. I took the second photo this afternoon, just so that you could see the bottom of this creature in case it helps with identification. I've failed to identify it from anything I could see on your website. I had a look on BugGuide, and I'm *guessing* that it fits in the subclass Apterygota. I live in Lauderdale, Tasmania, Australia. The bug is roughly 4cm from the head to the end of its abdomen, and the terrifying spike thing on the back adds almost another 2cm. I'm not sure whether I want you to tell me that it's dangerous, and that I'm therefore justified in killing it, or that it's harmless so I can sleep at night without worrying that more will turn up. We found a dried up husk on our front porch which obviously belonged to one of these, so we know there are more around. Anyway, I hope you like the pictures, and I hope you can tell me what it is!
Yours,
John



Hi John,
We can assure you this gal was perfectly harmless. It looks to us like a Weta, a primitive Orthopteran that is endangered in New Zealand. There are close relatives in South Africa and Australia, and the North American relatives are the Potato Bugs. In New Zealand, the Giant Wetas can grow to 8 inches. Here is the Wikipedia page with more information.

Mashed Potato Bug
(12/14/2005) Note from bug central
Daniel,
First of all, I apologize for the first photo I send you being of carnage. Yesterday my sister, who lives in San Rafael, CA, eMailed me and mentioned she had murdered a 3 inch long termite in her garage the evening before. I am not a bug expert, but I quickly told her it wasn't a termite, ha ha! Meanwhile I visited your website to quickly compare visually what her bug may have been with what I would picture my sister thinking would be a gigantic termite. After seeing the Potato Bug I knew right away this was her bug. After finding out that she performed this act by dropping a brick from waist high, wearing knee high rain boots while her husband protected their family dogs from this horrible monster!...I broke the news as to what kind of bug it probably was. I gave her the link to your Cricket pages and she thought I may be correct. I told her next time to make sure she gets a photo of the bug, preferrably alive. Just as I told her this, she went to the outside trash can and believe it or not found the bug right on top of everything. She snapped a photo and proved to both of us her giant termite was indeed a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket. I promise the next photo(s) I send you will not be of carnage. I just had to send this one.
Great site, thanks.
Bald John of Tucson



Hi Bald John of Tucson,
While we feel sorry for the poor Mashed Potato Bug, we can't help but chuckle at your colorful story. We wish there was a photo of your brick wielding sister in her boots with the cowering husband and dogs, preferably from the Potato Bugs point of view. A dramatic recreation is in order.

Potato Bug
(11/20/2005) Big Bug
Please help us figure out what in the world this is. We saw one first at Yuba lake, In central Utah. It is a very sandy lake. We ran across this picture and were so excited to show everyone we weren't crazy. This bug is at least 5 inches long and very heavy. We can't wait to hear from you.
Ellie & Becky



Dear Ellie and Becky,
This is a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket. Usually they are between 2 and 3 inches. Your specimen must be on steroids.

Potato Bug
(11/12/2005) Potato Bug Invasion
Isn’t the Internet fantastic.  Search and you shall find. I found this bug in my apartment building.  I left my apartment to do my laundry and when the elevator door opened this huge bug was in front of the elevator. I ran back up stairs to have my friend come get it. It appeared as though it had died.  Taking the necessary precautions, cup and envelope in hand, he scooped him up and placed him in the sun. We watched as the warmth gave him life again.  It became very active thereafter. We are still puzzled how the bug gained entry into the highly secured building. LOL I believe it was around 2 1⁄2 to 2 5/8 in length.
Tracy
Playa del Rey , California



Hi Tracy,
Our best guess is that somebody leaked the security code to the crafty Potato Bug. Barring that, perhaps the critter just hitched a ride in on something that had been stored outside, even a potted plant.

Mashed Potato Bug
(11/10/2005) Any idea about this spider like creature
Hello again,
My name is Susan and I recently sent you a message about a garden orb spider.  Thank you again, for your research.  The attached photos were taken in Long Beach, CA at a horse barn.  I accidentally found him under a patch of hay that had been tossed out of a stall.  I went to pick up the hay, and this thing touched my finger and very much surprised me.  After we kind of mushed it, I decided to take the attached photos in hopes that you might be able to help me determine what it is.  I'm only guessing that it might be of the crab spider family.
Hope to hear from you,
Susan
Torrance, CA



Hi Susan,
We haven't had a posting on the Unnecessary Carnage page of our site in a month. Your Mashed Potato Bug is also called a Jerusalem Cricket. We get 100's of letters per year with requests for their identification. They are harmless, but people fear them and are grossed out by their appearance. We at What's That Bug? are much more grossed out by the gore.

Potato Bug
(11/10/2005) Bugman!
I know these photos are not the best, but we found this guy burying into the carpet in my daughter’s room.  Please advise, my wife is freaking out!
Thanks,
Chris
Santa Rosa, CA.



Hi Chris,
While Potato Bugs, also known as Jerusalem Crickets and other colorful names, are frightening looking, they are harmless. They do not infest homes, but occasionally wander in. They are subterranean dwellers. Queries for their identification are one of our most common requests, second perhaps only to the House Centipede, so we always keep a photo on the homepage which you would have found if you scrolled down.

Potato Bug
(10/23/2005) 3 AM bug
Hello,
I had a late night visitor in my apartment located in Burbank, California.  I captured the bug in a drinking glass and photographed it before I put it outside.  The drinking glass is about 3.5 inches in diameter (it is shown in the photos). I have never seen an insect that large in this area.  Thanks for your help!
Amie



Hi Amie,
Certain insects always appear on our homepage since we get so many identification requests for them. The Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket is one. There was a photo at the bottom of the homepage.

Potato Bug
(10/13/2005) What bug is this?
Hi Bugman,
I'm hoping maybe you can help me to identify this bug. This is the 2nd one I've found in my home and I was a little worried as my 1 year old ended up getting a very high fever today. Then I noticed this critter running across the floor. (And it was fast) It then occured to me that maybe he was bit by it earlier. I'm not certain, maybe just paranoid. But I have never seen anything like this before. To me, it almost looks like a crossbreed of some sort...part spider (but only has 6 legs), part scorpion, or some kind of  beetle. I'm not a bug type person so forgive my ignorance. I've checked all over your site and haven't found one like it. It was just under 2 inches long, and curled up some when I chased it down with some Raid. I live in Valley Center, CA. North San Diego County, where we have a lot of local pests including earwigs, scorpions, tarantulas, lizards & rattlesnakes. Please let me know if we have another we need to watch out for. Thank you.
Denise Harvey



Hi Denise,
We get so many letters requesting that the Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket be identified, that we always keep one on the homepage. It is harmless and not in any way responsible for your child's fever.

Jerusalem Cricket
(09/28/2005) potato bug
i was moments from asking you to please help me identify my completely unknown beetle. i had scoured (almost) your entire site (awesome) and couldn't match it up. i decided to check one more time before submitting my question and looked at the first paragraph... lo and behold. anyway, thanks for the great site... and all the good potato bug pictures. i'll send my pictures  because i didn't see any pictures of the underside... if you want to include it.
thanks
steve
salt lake city, ut



Hi Steve,
Thanks for the cute belly-up view.

Jerusalem Cricket
(09/24/2005) Potato bug
Hi Bugman,
After attending a conference in San Diego this week, I took off for the hills and saw this bug outside my cabin, the key from which I used as a scale.   I thought it was a Cricket and after a couple of Googles, found your site and a picture of a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket by trying "insect cricket california".   I was once a zoologist but this is the first taxonomy I hav done for about 30 years.  Thanks for the help.
Mark
Beckenham UK



Hi Mark,
We always like a new Potato Bug image on our homepage since we get so many requests for its identification.

Potato Bug
(09/15/2005)It looks a little like a ant?
I found this bug in eastern Oregon camping over Labor day. Not sure what it is but it looks like a really large ant with a bee abdomen. Also it's about an inch long if you couldn't tell from the photo. I would love any help on iding it. Thanks.
Jason Matheis



Hi Jason,
This is a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket, a burrowing relative of true crickets and katydids.

Smooshed Potato Bug
(09/08/2005) Hold your stomach.
I have NO clue as to what kind of bug this is.  I searched your site and there is nothing there.  I Googled without luck.  I'm sending a picture (I guess this will end up in your Carnage section....sorry) hopefully you can identify.  The bug was about 4 inches long I'm in Nevada, Reno.  I have never seen this bug before.  Any ideas?
Thanks for your help.
Teri D.



Hi Teri,
Your poor smooshed Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket could easily be the poster child for our Unnecessary Carnage page.

Jerusalem Cricket
(09/01/2005) Bug found in Sparks, NV
Hello,
This picture was taken Sept. 1, 2005.  We are located in Sparks (Reno Area), Nevada out in a desert area. We would like very much to know just what this bug is exactly. Can you help us? If bugs can be beautiful, your website made them that way. What awesome photographs. Thanks for any help you can give us.
Sincerely,
Dennis & Robin Andrews



Hi Dennis and Robin,
Thank you so much for the compliment, but we cannot take credit for the photos as they are supplied by readers just like you. Your insect is a Cricket, a Jerusalem Cricket also commonly known as a Potato Bug. These awesome creatures spend most of their time underground.

Potato Bug
(08/08/2005) Large Cricket?
I looked at your pictures of mole crickets and they all appeared to have wings.  We occasionally find these large insects in the soil of our garden.  This one is typical size - about 1.5 inches long.  No wings.  It's pretty fast running on the top of the ground and definitely seeks cramped dark places.  The eyes seem mostly undeveloped.  Two short appendages are on the rear of the abdomen.
The SeCoy Family



Hi Family,
We haven't gotten a picture of a Potato Bug, also known as a Jerusalem Cricket, in a long time. We have a whole page devoted to them.

Dinner Time!!
(07/14/2005) Black Widow dining on a Jerusalem Cricket
We found these guys hanging from the garage door when we got back to Los Alamos, NM from our vacation.  The black widow was about the size of a silver dollar with legs.  They really like our garage.I'd never seen a child of the earth before in my life though, and I've lived in this state for about 25 years. Well, I thought it was artsy at least.  I wouldn't have bothered snapping a photo had I never seen your web site!
Neale



Thanks for the photo Neale,
We have an old spider book by Gertsch that has photos of a Black Widow and a Jerusalem Cricket. It's just not a fair match.

Potato Bug
(11/16/2004) Ok, What is it..
I'm thinking it's some type of mole cricket, but it is considerably larger than I've ever seen... I'm estimating 2.5 inches long
just curious
Robert



Hi Robert,
You have a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket which is related to Mole Crickets.

Potato Bug
(11/13/2004) WTB what can you tell us about this bug.
Hi WTB,
We live in Long Beach California and it's the second time that we have encounter this huge bug in exactly the same place in front of house. The first one just died on it's on and the second one just seems to turn from being on its front to back.
Can you please tell us what it is.
Thank you for your help.
Eyal & Hadas



Dear Eyal and Hadas,
You have a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket. They live underground and are sometimes driven to the surface after a heavy rain.

Potato Bug
(09/08/2004) What is this?
I am trying to figure out what kind bug this is. Its about 2 inches long. The picture I sent you earlier. It closely resembles the Potato Ant as I was matching up pictures on your site. This thing frightened me because of its sheer size and pretty big choppers that looks like it could do some damage. It was in my garage and I spent 30 minutes trying to capture it since I didn't want this thing in there and had no idea if it was a threat. After putting a tape measure to it, it was nearly 2 inches long from head to backside. I took the picture after capturing it and I am probably going to release it in the bushes away from my house. Another thing, at one point I saw it back side lifted and vibrate rapidly like a rattle snake. It was great and scary at the same time since I had no idea what it was doing or going to do. What a great site you have!  
Thanks, Joe from Buellton, California



Hi Joe,
One common name for your insect is a Potato Bug, also known as a Jerusalem Cricket. They live underground. The scientific genus is Stenopelmatus. They are not poisonous but have strong jaws that can pinch.

(08/01/2004) beetle??? NO
This was taken in New Mexico just North of ABQ & has a hard shell that makes a "clicking" sound when it flips over on the concrete. This is in my driveway not too terribly far from the desert, but still in a new construction subdivision setting, all streets are paved & is not just raw land. Is it dangerous?
Thanks for a great informative site & for reassurance for those of us that don't "know".
Lisa in the Sunny Southwest
Mike & Lisa Boushey



Hi Lisa and Mike,
You have sent in a photo of a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket.

WETA or Saddle Backed Bush Cricket
(07/02/2004) Weta
Hi there, what a great website you're got! My friend Erika who said she was one of your students asked me to send this to you, it's a Weta I found under a pot of flowers on my balcony in Auckland, New Zealand. It looked so pretty so I posted it to a forum and there Erika mentioned your website. I hope you like it, cheers,
Silke Hartung



Hi Silke,
Erika is so awesome. I have never heard the name Weta before. Here we call this type of insect a Saddle Backed Bush Cricket, or a Shield Bearer. They are from the Orthoptera subfamily Decticinae. These relatives of the grasshoppers have short wings or sometimes no wings. They are sometimes solitary and sometimes gregarious, appearing in countless numbers and doing much damage to pasture lands in the great plains regions. The Mormon Cricket is a good example of the gregarious behavior. Their food is chiefly vegetarian, but they are also commonly cannibalistic and predaceous. Your specimen is a female, recognizable by her long ovipositor which she uses to lay eggs, generally in the soil. Thank you for sending in your beautiful photo.

Hi Daniel,
I've done a lot of research online and found this site. Seems they are rather rare nowadays and that this was only a tree weta. They aren't endemic in NZ but also exist in Southafrica and Southamerica. It's interesting to know that they have a different name in America, I guess Weta must be the Maori name for them then :-) Cheers and thanks for replying :-) Silke

Ed. Note: (11/16/2005)
This just in from Eric Eaton: "Wetas (from Australia, New Zealand) are in the same family as Jerusalem crickets, believe it or not!"

Potato Bug
(06/30/2004) what is this?
a picture I took recently of a bug.
What is it?
heidi



Hi Heidi,
It is a Jerusalem Cricket, Potato Bug or Nino de la Tierra, depending on who you are talking to. They are members of the cricket order Othoptera and live underground.

(04/05/2004)
We were just watching 'Fear Factor'.......and they were eating 'Potato Bugs'....is this the same as what I know as a 'Sand Puppy'?

Potato Bugs are commonly known as Jerusalem Crickets and Niños de la Tierra and go by the scientific name Stenopelmatus species. We have never heard the name Sand Puppy, but it is an apt appellation.

(01/15/2004) Not known to us?
Dear Bugman,
We just moved to San Diego, California from Long Island, New York. My 5 year old daughter and I loved the endless variety of insects and many other creatures provided by the coastal wetlands in our backyard and we love investigating new discoveries. On a recent afternoon in our new backyard, we found this rather large bug floundering in our pool skimmer. After a little cautious handling we were able to rescue him and snap a few pictures. We released it on the edge of our property away from the pool and wished him well. But we are not sure what it was. We assume that it is a Solpugid although it is somewhat different from most pictures we were able to find. Whatever it is, it was a new one for us and we would love to know what you think it is.
Thank you,
Deanna & Michael DeVere

Dear Deanna & Michael,
You have rescued a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket.  We have many letters and photos on our site.   On the left side of the www.whatsthatbug.com website is a link to our Potato bug page where you can find additional information.  Most people have a horrible reaction upon seeing them, and despite their harmlessness, they are almost universally hated.  We and the Potato Bug appreciate your kindness.   They do resemble Solpugids, and your specimen is darker than we usually see.

(12/10/2003)
I have NO idea how it got into my kitchen but there it was this morning and my skin is still crawling thinking of it. It's under a glass bowl right now. I don't know how to get rid of it. My last encounter with one in the garden several years ago was horrible and I couldn't kill it! My nightmare now is wondering how the hell this huge thing got into the house when there are no visible holes or gaps under doors...it's as big as a small mouse - and we blocked the mouse access holes over a year ago, I thought!
Eeeooow...
Freaked of Laurel Canyon

Dear Freaked,
Potato Bugs are digging insects that might have gotten access through burrowing. They are also nocturnal and might enter the home through an opened door at night when you don't notice them skulking about. They are harmless, but do have powerful jaws that can inflict a painful bite. They seem to have universal horror appeal.

Thank you! I steeled myself and got it outside last night! Way away from the house! They look like something under a magnoscope which has escaped and is giant!
JP

(11/6/2003)
hi, wondering if you can help ... i live in the hollywood hills, of los angeles. i saw a bug in my house yesterday that looked like a double A duracell  battery with what seemed like claws. it was probably 3 inches in length and a half inch in width excluding it's appendages. i am not a bug person and thought about stepping on it - but it was so big, i didn't want to make the mess. instead, i flicked it across the room with some cardboard. it landed on its back and seemed to have a hard time turning over, right side up. while on it's back, i was able to open the door and fling it outside. it was creepy as can be. i'm wondering if you know the type of bug it may have been? any pictures of it? it was gross to me ... any help would be great,
thanks
brad in los angeles

Hi Brad,
Possibly a Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket. 

Dear Lori,
Sounds like a Jerusalem Cricket or Potato Bug.  Try doing a websearch. The scientific Family name is Stenopelmatus.  Mormon crickets have a different shape than you describe.

(5/15/2003 ) Tinker Toy Bug
Looking through almost 20 years of memory distortion, my wife and I were confronted by the strangest looking bug we had ever seen.  We were living in Glendale and this "tinker toy" bug had somehow gotten into the house, seemed to be nesting in the pile of our rug near the patio sliding glass doors.  It was about 2 inches long, and looked like it had been assembled out of brown plastic parts, big round shiny head with two smaller black dot eyes, antennae, a shiny cylindrical body and six legs.  We even captured it into a jar where it clicked away at the sides trying to escape.  Eventually it was released but we never have seen it pictured in any reference books. The name, Vinegaroon, was mentioned but it hasn't really satisfied. Any ideas?
Richard Leppig

We've lost our original reply to Richard which included a photo, but we correctly identified his visitor as a Potato Bug.

I recently moved to Los Angeles, and last night I found the biggest, scariest bug I've ever seen in my apt. It looked somewhat like an ant on steroids, but it looked a little like a beetle, too. I thought it might be one of the "wind scorpions" you mentioned elsewhere on the site, but the photos don't seem to match up. The bug's body and legs weren't quite as long as the scorpions.      
     This bug was about 1 1/2 inches long, about 1 inch wide. It had six very thick legs (thicker than any legs I've ever seen on a bug, and so thick I wouldn't find it difficult to believe it was a baby animal). The bug was mostly flesh-colored, except the abdomen was black, with rings around it. Can you help me identify it? I am so scared I'm going to see another one of these things in my place. I want to make sure that it won't hurt me or my cat.
Thank you,
Michele

Dear Michele,
     You found a potato bug or Jerusalem cricket ( Family Stenopelmatidae) and they do tend to startle people. They are burrowing relatives of true crickets, and sometimes go by the Spanish name Niños de la Tierra or Children of the Earth. They are nocturnal, and live in the soil. Though they can bite with considerable force, they are not harmful.

Hi-
About three years ago I was camping in California with my family and I stumbled upon this huge red insect, which was very similar to an ant (probably about 1.5 to 2 inches long and .75 inches wide) it had black stripes on the abdomen. It was also during the night, if that means anything. Do you have any idea what it is? I was thinking maybe some kind of queen ant. I am very curious!
Jessica Hill

Dear Jessica,
   It sounds like you saw a potato bug. The Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles notes that they get more horrified callers wanting the proper identification of the enormous, nocturnal insect that they have recently
seen than any other insect. Potato Bugs also go by numerous other names, including Jerusalem Crickets, Sand Crickets, Children of the Earth (Niños de la Terra) and their scientific name Stenopelmatus species. They are nocturnal, live underground, are amber colored with stripes, and they have large heads with formidable jaws, but they are not poisonous.

(4/7/03)When working in our garden my wife found a worm-like insect about 1-1/2" long and 1/4-1/2" wide, with a white translucent body and a pair of forward pinchers and bulging eyes. My mother-in-law says it is a "nino de la Tierra." Sorry no photos. Can you help?

Dear V.
Niño de la Tierra is a Spanish common name for the fearsome potato bug, or Jerusalem cricket. The navajo call them "wo wee ts'inii" which means skull insect or bone neck beetle. They fit your description. They belong to the genus Stenopelmatus. Take a look at potatobugs.com. It's an entire website devoted to this good looking creature. We stole this photo from them.