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.
I first saw one of these while turning my compost pile in Central Oregon.
I was surprised by the large size and now I’ve been seeing them burrowing in my garden.
At first glance I thought it was a scorpion, which I know we have around here as well. Thanks for the info!