Do Mormon Crickets Bite? Debunking the Myths and Facts

Mormon crickets, despite their misleading name, are actually a type of shield-backed katydid known as Anabrus simplex. They are notorious for causing damage to forage plants on rangeland and cultivated crops during their migrations. With their large size and seemingly relentless march, some people might wonder whether these insects have the ability to bite humans.

While Mormon crickets are not known for biting humans, they do have powerful jaws capable of gnawing through vegetation. Being primarily herbivores, they pose no direct threat to people. However, it’s important to remember that these insects can still cause problems due to their feeding habits and mass migrations. For example, they can cause significant damages to agricultural lands and create a cleanup cost in residential areas when their populations grow out of control.

Do Mormon Crickets Bite?

Bite Mechanics

Mormon crickets are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants such as grasses, shrubs, and cultivated forage crops¹. However, they sometimes resort to cannibalism and eating other invertebrates, especially when protein sources are scarce².

Bite to Humans and Pets

While their diet mainly consists of plants and occasionally other insects, Mormon crickets have not been known to actively bite humans or pets. They do possess the ability to cause some damage with their mandibles, but generally, they are not considered a threat to people or animals in terms of biting³.

In summary:

• Mormon crickets are primarily herbivores
• They eat grasses, shrubs, and cultivated forage crops
• Sometimes resort to cannibalism or eating other invertebrates for protein
• Not known to bite humans or pets

Physical Characteristics of Mormon Crickets

Appearance and Coloration

Mormon crickets are large insects belonging to the shield-backed katydid family. They exhibit a variety of colors, including black, green, and brown.

• Black: Commonly found in populations with a protein-rich diet that inhabit areas with fewer invertebrates.
• Green and Brown: Mostly found in sagebrush-grass environments and are adaptive to their surroundings for better camouflage.

The exoskeleton of these crickets holds a unique feature called a pronotum which extends backward like a shield, covering the abdomen.

Wings and Antennae

Mormon crickets possess small, non-functional wings which prevent them from flying. Instead, they rely on their strong, long legs to hop or crawl across the ground. Their antennae are long and slender, helping them with sensory perception.

These physical characteristics set Mormon crickets apart from many other bush crickets and contribute to their unique identity and behavior.

Mormon Cricket Lifecycle and Behavior

Breeding and Reproduction

Mormon crickets belong to the Animalia kingdom, Arthropoda phylum, Insecta class, and Tettigoniidae family. These insects go through a mating process, where the male deposits a spermatophore in the female’s ovipositor. The eggs are laid in the soil and require the right temperature and moisture conditions to hatch ¹.

Some characteristics of their reproduction process are:

• Eggs laid in the soil
• Temperature and moisture sensitive
• Spermatophore for fertilization

Nymphs and Instars

After the eggs hatch, the young Mormon crickets emerge as nymphs. They go through several instar stages, shedding their skin multiple times as they grow. These nymphs are similar in appearance to adult crickets but are smaller and have undeveloped wings.

During this stage:

• Nymphs resemble adults but smaller
• Multiple growth instar stages
• Skin shedding for growth

Migration and Swarming

Mormon crickets form large migratory bands, moving together in search of food and suitable habitat. These infestations can cause damage to crops and trigger outbreaks. During their migration journey, they may exhibit cannibalistic behavior, feeding on weaker individuals to avoid starvation ².

Cannibalism behavior includes:

• Feeding on weaker individuals
• A result of food scarcity
• Occurs during migration

Mormon crickets interact with the environment through various actions such as chirping and jumping. Chirping is thought to be used for communication, while jumping allows them to move and escape predation. Moreover, they may carry diseases that can potentially affect crops or other insect populations.

Key actions:

• Chirping for communication
• Jumping for mobility and escaping predators
• Possible disease carriers

Mormon Cricket Diet and Predators

Feeding Preferences and Foraging

Mormon crickets, native to the western United States, primarily consume a variety of vegetation, such as:

• Native, herbaceous perennials (forbs)
• Grasses
• Shrubs
• Cultivated forage crops

These crickets’ foraging habits can lead to problems in agriculture, as they reduce feed for grazing wildlife and livestock, and contribute to soil erosion and nutrient-depleted soils¹.

Natural Enemies and Parasites

Mormon crickets have several natural predators and parasites, including:

• California gulls
• Hawks
• Crows
• Rodents
• Digger wasp (Palmodes laeviventris)

Despite having parasites, they do not appear to have much control over the cricket population². Diseases can also affect Mormon crickets, with the microsporidian Vairimorpha producing high spore levels in many tissues of the crickets³.

Comparing Mormon Crickets and Locusts

Swarming and Urban Encounters

Mormon crickets are native to various regions in the western United States, including:

• Utah
• Nevada
• Oregon
• The Great Basin
• Wyoming

During the swarming phase, these insects can cause several problems in urban settings.

Home gardens can be severely impacted by large swarms, as Mormon crickets are known to be voracious eaters. They have a particular appetite for plants, consuming massive amounts in a short period of time.

Traffic disruptions can also occur due to swarms. When Mormon crickets cross roads in large numbers, they can create slippery patches that may lead to accidents. Some localities install cricket fences to prevent these encounters and keep the insects away from urban areas.

• Mormon crickets impact various aspects of life in these regions
• Swarming may cause crop damage, traffic disruptions, and affect the ecosystem

While Mormon crickets can be a nuisance, it’s important to remember they’re a part of the natural ecosystem. Understanding their historical significance and their role in the landscape can help us address the challenges they sometimes pose.

Mormon Cricket Habitats and Distribution

Rangelands and Sagebrush Regions

Mormon crickets are native to the western United States, where they mainly inhabit rangelands and sagebrush regions. These areas are characterized by:

• Grasses: Mormon crickets primarily feed on grasses and other native plants, which are abundant in rangelands and sagebrush regions.
• Livestock: These areas serve as grazing lands for wildlife and livestock, which can be affected by the crickets’ feeding habits.

Forests and Grasslands

Mormon crickets also inhabit forests and grasslands, including those located in higher altitudes like mountain habitats. Some important environmental factors that affect their distribution include:

• Drought: Drier conditions can increase their populations, leading to outbreaks and mass migrations.
• Environmental factors: Factors like temperature, humidity, and the availability of food sources can influence their densities and movements.

Examples of Mormon cricket habitat features:

• Prefers environments with ample food sources like grasses and crops.
• Can be found in areas with varying elevations and climate conditions.
• Often associated with western U.S. states like Nevada and Wyoming.

Characteristics of Mormon cricket habitats:

• Native plant species provide essential food sources.
• Exposure to drought and other environmental factors can influence population densities.
• Potential for mass migrations can lead to devastating impacts on agriculture, such as corn and wheat crops, as well as livestock feed in affected regions like Winnemucca.

Mormon Cricket Prevention and Control

Pest Control Strategies

Mormon crickets are flightless insects that can cause damage to crops and landscapes. To prevent infestations, follow these strategies:

• Apply chemical treatments like carbaryl when population levels are high.
• Use bait stations with protein and salt to attract and eliminate them.

Pros of chemical treatments and bait stations:

• Effective in reducing cricket populations
• Quick results

Cons of chemical treatments and bait stations:

• Potential environmental impact
• Safety concerns with the use of chemicals

Environmental and Biological Methods

Consider these environmentally friendly control measures:

• Encourage natural predators like California gulls, hawks, and crows.
• Use biological control agents such as the digger wasp, Palmodes laeviventris.

Pros of environmental and biological methods:

• Eco-friendly
• Sustainable long-term solutions

Cons of environmental and biological methods:

• Slower results
• Limited effectiveness during large infestations

Remember to monitor Mormon cricket populations regularly and implement prevention strategies before their numbers become unmanageable.