How Big Are Jerusalem Crickets? Discover Their Fascinating Size Variations

folder_openInsecta, Orthoptera
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Jerusalem crickets are fascinating insects known for their bizarre appearance and large size. They belong to the Stenopelmatidae family and can be found in North America. Among the largest crickets in the continent, Jerusalem crickets are a sight to behold for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

These crickets’ body length ranges from 1.5 to 3 inches, making them quite prominent in the insect world. Sporting a human-like head with large mandibles, these wingless creatures exhibit an amber coloration with dark stripes on their abdomen, giving them a striking appearance that’s hard to miss.

Native to regions such as the western United States and Mexico, Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal and spend their time predominantly underground. Though they do not possess the ability to chirp like other cricket species, they still manage to communicate through drumming on the ground, adding to the repertoire of unique characteristics that set them apart.

Understanding Jerusalem Crickets

Physical Appearance

Jerusalem crickets (Stenopelmatus species) are one of the largest cricket species in North America, measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in length1. They have:

  • A large, round head
  • A segmented, striped abdomen
  • Spindly, long legs
  • Strong jaws for chewing

Species and Distribution

There are multiple species of Jerusalem crickets, including:

  • Stenopelmatus with 33 named entities
  • Ammopelmatus with 2 described species
  • Viscainopelmatus with 1 described species
  • Stenopelmatopterus with 3 described species2

Distribution

Jerusalem crickets can be found throughout the western United States, from Canada to Mexico, and as far east as Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Texas and Oklahoma3.

Here’s a comparison of Jerusalem crickets and the closely related Mormon crickets:

Feature Jerusalem Cricket Mormon Cricket
Size 1.5 to 2 inches in length1 Slightly larger than Jerusalem crickets4
Diet Insects, plant roots, tubers, decaying plant and animal material3 Forbs, grasses, shrubs, and cultivated forage crops4
Native Region Western United States (Canada to Mexico) Also native to the western United States4
Pest Status Generally not considered pests Can be pests due to soil erosion and poor water quality4
Related Insects Grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids1 Similar insect group as Jerusalem crickets4

Habitat and Behavior

Burrowing and Nocturnal Habits

Jerusalem crickets, also known as niño de la tierra or stone crickets, are unique insects found in the western United States. They mostly live underground, creating burrows in sandy soils and can be found hiding beneath rocks, logs, and other debris1. These crickets are mostly nocturnal, venturing out at night in search of food, such as plant roots, and to mate2.

  • Color: brownish or reddish in color
  • Size: large, 1.5 to 2 inches in length
  • Environment: sandy soils, beneath rocks, logs, and other debris

An interesting trait of these insects is their ability to burrow, creating tunnels underground that provide them protection from their environment1. Their strong hind legs are adapted for digging while their body shape helps them move easily through the soil1.

Communication and Mating

Jerusalem crickets use a range of communication methods, including chirping, hissing, and creating drumming sounds by banging their abdomens against the ground3. This drumming sound, along with their wingless and nocturnal nature, makes them somewhat different from other cricket species3.

  • Communication: chirping, hissing, drumming sounds
  • Reproduction: mating occurs on the surface at night

In the springtime, Jerusalem crickets come out during the day to find mates2. After mating, females lay their eggs underground in moist soil, often near the roots of plants1. Their reproduction rates are relatively low, and they can take 2 to 5 years to reach adulthood3.

Comparison Table

Characteristic Jerusalem Cricket Common Cricket
Nocturnal Yes3 Yes
Communication Chirping, hissing, drumming3 Chirping
Wings None3 Present
Mating Location Surface at night2  

Diet and Predators

Feeding Habits

Jerusalem crickets, also known as the “potato bug,” are commonly found in the western United States and Mexico. They are known for their strong mandibles and large size, which can be up to 3 inches in length.

These insects mostly feed on organic matter, including the roots and tubers of plants. They can sometimes cause damage to gardens by munching on root systems.

For example, Jerusalem crickets can feed on:

  • Decaying plant material
  • Roots of various plants
  • Tubers, such as potatoes

Natural Enemies

Jerusalem crickets have several predators, ranging from animals to insects like wasps. Some animals that can prey on these cricket-like insects include bats, birds, and lizards.

A comparison of some natural enemies of the Jerusalem cricket is as follows:

Predator Type of animal or insect Common Locations
Bats Mammal Pacific Coast
Birds Flying animals California
Lizards Reptile Mexico
Wasps Insect Various

Jerusalem crickets may hiss when threatened; however, this hissing sound is caused by their winglessness and not as a defense mechanism.

Interaction with Humans

Pest and Crop Control

Jerusalem crickets, also known as potato bugs or cara de niño, are nocturnal insects that mainly stay in the ground and don’t usually cause harm to crops or plants. They feed on other insects, decaying plants, and roots, which makes them beneficial for pest and crop control.

However, in some cases, they can be considered pests when their numbers increase and they damage gardens or crops by feeding on roots. Some agricultural methods employed include encouraging natural predators like birds and reptiles, or using habitat management techniques to reduce their population.

Bite and Venom Misconceptions

Contrary to some myths, Jerusalem crickets do not possess venom or a stinging apparatus. Though known for their painful bite, the pain results from their strong mandibles, which can draw blood when threatened. Here is a list of their features related to their interaction with humans:

  • Strong mandibles
  • No venom
  • No sting
  • Painful, but not dangerous

For a better understanding, here is a table comparing Jerusalem crickets to common venomous creatures:

Creature Venom Sting Painful Bite Dangerous
Jerusalem cricket No No Yes No
Ant Yes Yes Yes No (except for some species)

Overall, Jerusalem crickets are harmless creatures that play a significant role in pest and crop control. They do not pose any extreme threat to human beings or cause any severe damage, as their bites are painful but not venomous. Proper handling and understanding of these insects can ensure a peaceful coexistence between them and humans.

Cultural Significance

Spanish and Native American Names

Jerusalem crickets are also known by various names in different cultures. In Spanish, they are called niña de la tierra, which translates to child of the earth, reflecting the insect’s burrowing habits. Native American cultures have their own names for this insect, such as chaco, which comes from the Hopi people.

Features of Jerusalem crickets:

  • Large, human-like head
  • Strong jaws for chewing
  • Amber-colored body
  • Dark stripes on abdomen
  • Long, massive legs for burrowing

Portrayal in Literature and Media

Jerusalem crickets have been portrayed in various forms of literature and media, often as creatures of intrigue or subjects of folklore. Examples include stories about encounters with these insects and their possible cultural or spiritual significance. With their unique appearance, Jerusalem crickets can inspire creativity and imagination.

Comparing Jerusalem cricket to Colorado potato beetle:

Feature Jerusalem cricket Colorado potato beetle
Appearance Large, human-like head; Small, oval-shaped body;
  amber-colored body with yellow-orange with black
  dark stripes on abdomen stripes on wing covers;
Size 1.5 to 2 inches 1/3 inch
Distribution Western United States United States, Europe
Habitat Soil, under rocks Potato fields

In conclusion, the cultural significance of Jerusalem crickets can be seen through their various names in different languages and their portrayals in literature and media. While they might seem intimidating or bizarre, these insects play an integral part in our natural world and continue to fascinate people across cultures.

Footnotes

  1. The University of Arizona 2 3 4 5 6 7
  2. PubMed 2 3 4
  3. Colorado State University 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
  4. Extension at the University of Nevada, Reno 2 3 4 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

    View all posts
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15 Comments. Leave new

  • That’s not nasty. That’s cute!

    Reply
  • gail corondoni
    October 15, 2013 12:24 pm

    We live in mountains outside of Sacramento, CA., near Placerville. Yesterday the pesticide man came and sprayed around the house. It’s my daughter’s home and they choose to do this. Today I found a large potato bug with a black striped abdomen struggling and almost paralyzed on patio. Obviously poisoned. It was having a very slow, excruciating death. I’ve seen the same with a praying mantis, also. Sometimes they live 2-3 days and try so hard to move. But they are still very aware of when I come and put my hand near them. They try to defend themselves.

    It is a pitiful sight and it breaks my heart. I don’t like to see anything suffer a slow, debilitating death. Finally, after watching the potato bug too long, and the mantis, too, I stepped on them quickly and strongly to take them out of their pain.

    The small bugs die more quickly, thank goodness. But I guess the strength of the pesticide isn’t enough to kill the large ones very fast.

    My daughter says that they have to have this done because otherwise there are so many earwigs and even scorpions that come in the house. Perhaps…but I think I’d rather deal with them without the poison. It’s heartbreaking.

    What else can be done?

    Reply
    • Thank you for your heartfelt comment. We think letting your daughter know how you feel is probably the best means for eliciting a change. Let her know that the pesticides harm the entire ecosystem. You cannot target individual pests.

      Reply
    • I will not use or allow insecticides to be used because they are harmful to humans. I have suffered adverse reactions and look for solutions that don’t involve toxic chemicals!

      Reply
  • Susan Maxson
    May 30, 2015 5:39 pm

    I found one in front of my 5th wheel trailer in Valmy. Nevada today. Wasn’t sure what it was. Until I looked it up on your web sight!!

    Reply
  • are these venomous? there are some in mexico as well.

    Reply
  • Do they bite or sting?

    Reply
    • Potato Bugs have powerful mandibles and they are capable of biting, but the bite is not venomous and poses no danger. Potato Bugs cannot sting.

      Reply
  • I seen these all the time since I grew up in Calif, They always scared me but I never killed them , I now find them in Northern Nevada, I just move them away from the garden if I am pulling weed’s. NO NEED to kill anything! I don’t even kill Black Widows. I move them along if they are on the side walk, Or release them if found inside . They are NOT aggressive and don;t bite unless you bother them too much and even then they will run off. Be more tolerant of our insect families.

    Reply
  • Is it possible for them to kill or do Sirius damage??

    Reply
  • That was me, I thought it was an ant too.

    Reply
  • I grew up in Pocatello Idaho and seen these quite often in the city creek and mink-creek area.They look creepy to me and was scared of them because to me they look like they wasn’t fully developed from a mother’s womb of a species I’ve never seen, having the Partially transparent legs and feet looking kinda like hands and with their big eyes!
    (Bug eyes) ? Wondering if they are harmful in anyway?

    Reply
    • They are completely harmless and normally eat decaying plant matter. They may eat regular plant matter if there isn’t enough dead but this isn’t their primary food source. As such many gardeners do not consider them a pest species. They are not venomous but can pinch(bite) with their large mandible and emit a bad odor as a defense.

      They are best left alone and observed from a distance. If they get in your home try to calmly collect them and place them outside. Crushing or spraying them is likely to end up with more noxious emission.

      All in all they are an interesting species and there is no reason to fear them or kill them out of hand.

      Reply
  • Jerusalem Cricket (Potato Bug)
    More details – https://leafyplace.com/potato-bug/

    I would recommend not killing them and observing this amazing little bug from a normal distance. They do not jump but if cornered will bite you with their mandibles.

    Reply

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