Jerusalem crickets, sometimes referred to as “potato bugs,” are large, nocturnal insects known for their frightening appearance. However, many people still wonder if these crickets are capable of biting. Jerusalem crickets do have powerful jaws, which they use to catch and eat other insects and spiders. While they’re not aggressive creatures, they can inflict a painful bite if provoked or handled carelessly.
These crickets are not venomous, as they lack poison glands. However, their strong mandibles can pinch and potentially draw blood from someone handling them improperly. It is essential to avoid provoking or handling these insects in order to prevent painful bites. Overall, Jerusalem crickets are mostly harmless towards humans and serve an essential role in controlling other insect populations in their natural habitat.
Understanding Jerusalem Crickets
Scientific Classification and Appearance
Jerusalem crickets (Stenopelmatus fuscus) belong to the Orthoptera order of insects, which also includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. They have a distinctive appearance, mostly characterized by:
- Large, rounded heads
- Strong mandibles
- Striped abdominal patterns
Their powerful jaws are not venomous, but they can inflict a painful bite when provoked 1.
Habitat and Behavior
These insects dwell mainly in the western parts of the United States2. Jerusalem crickets play essential roles in their ecosystems by:
- Feeding on dead plant matter
- Aiding in nutrient recycling
Their behavior typically includes “playing dead” when they feel threatened1, producing drumming sounds by rubbing their spiny legs against their bodies2. Moreover, they have a low rate of reproduction3.
Alternative Names
Commonly known by different names such as:
- Potato bug
- Stone cricket
- Camel cricket
These alternative names may be locally or regionally used, but they all refer to the same insect, the Stenopelmatus fuscus123.
Comparison of Jerusalem Crickets (Stone Cricket) and Camel Crickets:
| Feature | Jerusalem Cricket | Camel Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Head | Round, large | Round, relatively small |
| Scientific Classification | Orthoptera | Rhaphidophoridae (order Orthoptera) |
| Habitat | Western United States2 | Worldwide4 |
| Venomous | No1 | No5 |
Do Jerusalem Crickets Bite?
Potential Threats to Humans
Jerusalem crickets, despite their sinister appearance, are not venomous and do not sting. Although they might seem dangerous to humans, they are generally not considered a significant threat. However, in certain situations, such as when they feel threatened or cornered, they can bite as a means of self-defense. Some examples of negative interactions with humans could include:
- Accidentally stepping on a Jerusalem cricket
- Picking one up without caution
- Cornering it without an escape route
Defensive Mechanisms
Jerusalem crickets are equipped with strong mandibles, which they use primarily for digging burrows and chewing through plant materials. When they feel threatened, they may adopt an aggressive posture and utilize these mandibles to bite an attacker.
Here’s a brief comparison of the cricket’s defenses:
| Defense | Description |
|---|---|
| Mandibles | Strong, powerful jaws used for biting |
| Aggressiveness | Adopting an aggressive posture when threatened to deter predators |
Some characteristics that influence their defensive behavior include:
- Teeth and mandibles
- A natural tendency to defend themselves when cornered
- An inclination to escape or retreat when possible
The bite from a Jerusalem cricket can cause short-lived pain, but the risk of complications is minimal. Nevertheless, it is best to avoid handling them without proper knowledge or experience. In summary, while Jerusalem crickets might appear dangerous, they pose little threat to humans unless put in a fearful or defensive situation.
Jerusalem Crickets and Gardens
Effects on Plant Roots and Tubers
Jerusalem crickets are not known to be major garden pests. However, they might feed on the roots and tubers of plants, including:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Beets
An infestation can cause minor damage to these crops but is generally not severe. Comparing the Jerusalem Cricket with the Colorado Potato Beetle, the latter is far more destructive to gardens.
Comparison Table of Jerusalem Cricket and Colorado Potato Beetle
| Characteristic | Jerusalem Cricket | Colorado Potato Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding habits | Roots and tubers | Leaves and foliage of plants |
| Damage to gardens | Minor | Severe |
| Pest control measures | Rarely necessary | Often required |
Pest Control Measures
In rare cases, Jerusalem crickets may require human intervention for management. Some effective control measures include:
- Diatomaceous earth
- Beneficial nematodes
- Hand-picking and relocating
Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around affected plants, acting as a natural abrasive that deters the crickets. Beneficial nematodes can be introduced to the soil, as they are a natural enemy of Jerusalem crickets. Lastly, gentle hand-picking and relocating crickets from the garden can help reduce their numbers. It is important to handle them carefully as they may bite when threatened.
In conclusion, Jerusalem crickets have limited effects on plant roots and tubers and rarely require pest control measures when compared to other garden pests like the Colorado potato beetle. By employing appropriate management methods, it is possible to minimize any damage to gardens.
Precautions and Encounters with Jerusalem Crickets
Avoiding Bites
Jerusalem crickets are not considered to be poisonous, but they do have powerful jaws that can deliver a painful bite when handled carelessly. To avoid bites in scenarios where you come across these nocturnal creatures, follow these simple tips:
- Do not handle them with bare hands
- Keep a safe distance
- Wear gloves if necessary
Providing a Safe Environment
Creating a safe environment for both Jerusalem crickets and humans can reduce the chances of negative encounters. Here are some recommendations:
- Maintain a clean space, as they feed on dead organic matter
- Use sturdy, plastic containers if capturing one for observation
- Release them back into their natural habitat, away from residential areas
By staying cautious and respecting the natural habits of Jerusalem crickets, encounters can be safely managed and potential bites can be avoided.
Footnotes
- https://cals.arizona.edu/backyards/sites/cals.arizona.edu.backyards/files/b11summer_p6.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- http://wci.colostate.edu/shtml/jersalem.cricket.shtml ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=IIORT26030 ↩ ↩2
- https://www.orkin.com/other/crickets/camel-crickets ↩
- https://entomologytoday.org/2019/11/06/cave-crickets-camel-crickets-invade-basements-dark-moist-places-winter/ ↩
False Potato Bugs:
18 Comments. Leave new
They can bite if they’re really provoked, but I’ve handled many of them (gently) with no problem at all. They’re quite prevalent in the Bay Area, and get squished much too often because they seem scary.
It should be a requirement to learn that the Jerusalem cricket is harmless in California. I’m constantly identifying this one for people. I live in the Bay Area, where everyone is always “saving” something, so as a joke, I had a shirt made that says “Save the Potato Bug” with a big picture of a Jerusalem cricket on it. I get some strange looks, but I know I’ve helped save some innocent cricket lives.
I always knew them as potato bugs, never heard of Jerusalem cricket. Kind of scary looking. But what I want to know is do they bite? I never picked on up and the last time I saw on was when I was in elementary school. May my nightmares ensue lol.
Jerusalem Cricket
Cricket.
Stenopelmatus fuscus
How are you able to identify the species from the image? According to BugGuide which doesn’t identify any Potato Bugs to the species level: “Nearctica.com lists 8 species of Stenopelmatus. Capinera (1) states the genus needs revision, with 14 species currently described in the family, but more than 60 North American species likely–most presumably in this genus.” Even Charles Hogue in Insects of the Los Angeles Basin only identifies Potato Bugs to the genus level.
When my wife first saw one of these she asked me to call the National Guard. Lol
This was very helpful! I was not sure if I had found a Colorado potato beetle, or a fake!
I am now sure this beetle is an impostor.
Thanks, Josiah
This was very helpful! I was not sure if I had found a Colorado potato beetle, or a fake!
I am now sure this beetle is an impostor.
Thanks, Josiah
cot a patato bug in my front yard. slc,ut, never seen anything like this in my life
yeah i saw one of these once. went to show it to a friend and he almost smashed it completely. one of its wing covers cracked off though, and i can confirm that the wings are a pretty looking transparent red shade.
I picked up one of these little guys and it looked like it was playing dead, it locked its legs out and didn’t move until I put it back down, is this something these normally do? I haven’t been able to find anything on that
Many insects “play dead” when disturbed.
I just had this happen with one on my front porch! I wanted to move him from a leaf to my porch, to take a picture, and he played dead for nearly 10 minutes! I thought I had killed him. LOL
Where I like, we call them, child of the earth. They are Egyptian crickets aka Jerusalem cricket.
They do bite, and I heard they are poisonous. I found one on my room floor in the middle of the night. It was the biggest/fattest one I’ve seen. I heard they are rare also (though I’ve seen them more often that regular crickets.) So I don’t kill them, and just place them outside. (Though I seriously don’t know how it got inside my room, air vents?) I live in the last room of my apartment.
I just had one on my Arm it was big scared the hell out of me how could Pittsburgh pa. Have these ? It left a mark on my arm
Every year about this time these come up in one spot in our yard. Grass doesn’t grow well where they come out. They seem to just come out, scream and breed then lay eggs in hole and die. Don’t bother them as they don’t bother me. Lol