Mormon crickets are a fascinating species of flightless, ground-dwelling insects native to the western United States. As members of the katydid family (Tettigoniidae), these crickets might not seem like a significant concern, but their feeding habits and tendency to congregate in large numbers can have severe consequences on both natural and agricultural ecosystems.
These insects primarily feed on native herbaceous perennials (forbs), grasses, shrubs, and cultivated forage crops. When Mormon crickets gather in large numbers, the damage they inflict on natural and agricultural ecosystems becomes more profound, reducing feed for grazing wildlife and livestock, leading to soil erosion, poor water quality, and nutrient depletion in soils.
Mormon Cricket Fundamentals
Anabrus Simplex
Mormon crickets, scientifically known as Anabrus simplex, are a type of insect found in North America. They gained the name “Mormon” due to their significant impact on the crops of Mormon settlers in the mid-1800s.
Classification and Appearance
Mormon crickets are not true crickets but belong to the shield-backed katydid family. Their appearance differs from typical crickets in the following ways:
- Fat, grasshopper-like body
- Smooth, shiny exoskeleton in various colors and patterns
- Long antennae
- Short wings, rendering them flightless
| Feature | True Cricket | Mormon Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Wings | Long, functional | Short, non-functional |
| Antennae length | Short | Long |
| Exoskeleton appearance | Rough | Smooth |
| Family classification | Gryllidae (True crickets) | Tettigoniidae (katydids) |
Insect Behavior and Lifecycle
Mormon crickets exhibit unique behavior and lifecycle characteristics. Some key points include:
- Entomologists classify them as insects with incomplete metamorphosis.
- Their life cycle consists of three stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults.
- Instars, or nymph stages, are shorter than in typical crickets.
Mormon crickets are known for their extensive migrations, forming large bands that travel great distances. These insects are also known for male Mormon crickets’ distinctive chirping, resembling that of true crickets.
In summary, Mormon crickets are a unique type of shield-backed katydid that have a significant historical impact and differ in appearance and lifecycle characteristics from true crickets.
Habitat and Distribution
Geographical Range
Mormon crickets are native to the western United States, with their distribution ranging from the prairie provinces and British Columbia in Canada to the northern parts of Arizona and New Mexico in the south. They can also be found in the western parts of Minnesota, Missouri, and Montana, as well as eastern Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and western parts of Washington and California. For instance, large populations of Mormon crickets are common in states like Utah and Nevada.
Preferred Habitats
These flightless insects prefer habitats that provide abundant food sources, such as native herbaceous perennials (forbs), grasses, and shrubs. They are often found on:
- Rangeland
- Cultivated forage crops
- Sagebrush
- Saltbush areas
This habitat choice allows them to not only find food but also to bask in the sun on the west side of bushes during the late afternoon or migrate in clusters of 25 to 50 nymphs seeking warmth together. In these preferred habitats, they can maximize their chances of survival and reproduction.
Impact on Agriculture and Ecosystems
Mormon Crickets and Crops
Mormon crickets are a type of katydid that can cause significant damage to crops. They are known to:
- Attack various crops such as rice, corn, and forage plants.
- Consume and destroy vegetation.
When present in large numbers, they can cause substantial harm to agricultural fields, making it difficult for farmers to secure their livelihoods. For example, one source states that during their lifespan, an average Mormon cricket can consume enough vegetation to impact crop yields.
Effects on Rangelands
Mormon crickets also have significant effects on rangelands, which are essential for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Some of the impacts include:
- Consuming grasses, forbs, and shrubs, leaving less feed for grazing animals like cattle or deer.
- Contributing to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and poor water quality due to overgrazing.
Table: Comparison of impacts on crops and rangelands
| Category | Mormon Cricket Impacts |
|---|---|
| Crops | Damage to rice, corn, and forage plants |
| Rangelands | Overgrazing, soil erosion, and water issues |
In times of drought, the effects may be more pronounced, as both crops and rangeland vegetation are already stressed. Additionally, Mormon crickets are capable of laying eggs that can survive harsh conditions, potentially leading to more significant infestations during future years.
By understanding these impacts, it is essential for those managing agricultural lands and rangelands to be aware of and prepared to deal with potential Mormon cricket infestations, ensuring sustainable production and a balanced ecosystem.
Control and Management Strategies
Pesticides and Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments are often used during Mormon cricket infestations. One commonly used pesticide is Carbaryl, which is applied to soil where the crickets reside. Another option is Diflubenzuron, a growth regulator used in the suppression program by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
Pros and Cons of Chemical Treatment:
- Carbaryl
- Pros: Effective in killing crickets
- Cons: Potential harm to the environment
- Diflubenzuron
- Pros: Disrupts cricket growth and development
- Cons: May not be as fast-acting as Carbaryl
Biological and Alternative Control Methods
Other methods to manage Mormon crickets include biological controls, like the introduction of natural predators such as wild birds, poultry, and the black wasp. Additionally, slick barriers, when placed vertically, can prevent crickets from accessing areas where they are not wanted.
Creating a suitable habitat for cricket predators can be beneficial, such as:
- Planting shrubs and grasses to provide shelter for birds
- Encouraging natural predation by maintaining diverse ecosystems
Furthermore, researchers are investigating the use of cannibalistic behavior among Mormon crickets as another control method.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Miracle of the Gulls
In 1848, Mormon settlers in the Great Salt Lake Basin in Utah experienced a significant threat to their crops due to a massive influx of Mormon crickets. These flightless insects invaded their fields, resulting in a loss of food sources. However, seagulls came to the rescue and started feasting on these crickets, eventually saving the settlers’ crops.
Over time, the event became known as the “Miracle of the Gulls,” and the seagull was later chosen as Utah’s state bird to honor their part in this historical event.
Mormon Cricket Plagues in History
Mormon crickets have been known to cause damage to crops and rangeland forage throughout history. They are primarily found in the western United States, where they can stretch across vast areas, covering up to a quarter of a mile in some cases.
These crickets are particularly abundant during June when warming temperatures provide optimal conditions for their growth. Consequently, their presence has become a concern for private landowners, the federal government, and those interested in western public land preservation.
Various measures have been taken to manage and control Mormon cricket populations, sometimes even involving the U.S. District Court and the National Environmental Policy Act to implement policies and legislation for their management.
- Pros of Mormon crickets: They serve as a source of food for various animals, including fish in Lodore Canyon.
- Cons of Mormon crickets: When present in large numbers, they can devastate crops, rangeland, and ecosystems, driving the need for control measures.
| Characteristics | Seagulls (Miracle of the Gulls) | Mormon Crickets (Plagues in History) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Savior | Pest |
| Impact on Settlement | Positive | Negative |
| Population Control | Natural Predation | Human Intervention |
Conservation and Environmental Concerns
Potential Threats and Management Challenges
Mormon crickets pose risks to rangeland and crop health during their outbreaks, leading to potential environmental concerns. For example, their migrations can cause widespread damage to forage plants and cultivated crops on their path 1.
Managing Mormon cricket infestations can be challenging due to their unpredictable nature and widespread impacts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers support to suppress their populations when outbreaks become a threat 2.
Role of Mormon Cricket in Ecosystems
Despite the potential threat they pose, Mormon crickets are an important part of ecosystems. They serve as a food source for many predators, like wild birds and poultry 3. In addition to their function in the food chain, Mormon crickets contribute to natural processes. For example, their coloration helps with camouflage, allowing them to blend into the environment.
When managing Mormon cricket infestations, it’s essential to consider the species’ role in ecosystems and try to minimize potential ecological damages.
Collaborations and Research Efforts
Researchers like Jake Bodart are collaborating on studying Mormon crickets during outbreaks 4. Their work helps build risk assessment models for predicting outbreaks, further understanding the species, and minimizing ecological damages while controlling infestations.
| Feature | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | Enhanced knowledge | None |
| Risk assessment models | Improved prediction | Requires more research |
Overall, addressing the conservation and environmental concerns of Mormon crickets requires a balance between mitigating their impacts and recognizing their importance within ecosystems.
Footnotes
