Raspy Cricket: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

Raspy crickets are fascinating insects that offer unique insights into the world of pollination and ecological relationships. They are known for their unusual size match with certain plants, such as their head’s close match in size to the nectar-spur opening of Angraecum cadetii, an orchid species source. This interesting adaptation allows them to effectively pollinate these plants, showcasing the intricate interdependence between insects and the plant kingdom.

There are various species of raspy crickets, including the Australian Raspy Cricket, Chauliogryllacris acaropenates source. These crickets are not only unique in their appearance and behavior, but they also play a crucial role in the ecosystem by carrying mites that can be of interest to acarologists. As a result, raspy crickets are not only an intriguing insect for enthusiasts but also hold the potential for further scientific discoveries and studies.

Raspy Cricket Basics

Identification and Taxonomy

Raspy crickets are insects belonging to the family Gryllacrididae. These crickets can be split into two subfamilies: Gryllacridinae and Hyperbaeninae. They are closely related to leaf-rolling crickets and Rhaphidophoridae. Some distinguishing features of raspy crickets include:

• Long, slender bodies
• Large, powerful hind legs

They are distinct from other cricket species due to their specific taxonomy and evolution, which ties them more closely to the Australian rainforests.

Habitat and Distribution

Raspy crickets are mostly found in Australia, particularly in rainforests and other moist habitats. The distribution of these crickets is influenced by Australia’s unique geographic characteristics, resulting in a diverse and fascinating range of species. Key facts about raspy cricket habitats include:

• Predominantly found in Australian rainforests
• Can also be found in other moist environments

To better understand the differences between raspy crickets and other cricket species, consider the following comparison table:

Physical Characteristics

Appearance and Anatomy

• Raspy crickets are light brown in color, making it easier for them to blend in with their surroundings.
• Their head has small spots, adding to their unique appearance.
• They have a distinct fur-like texture on their hind legs.

Raspy crickets are known for their unique appearance. They are generally light brown in color, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. The head of a Raspy cricket is marked with small spots, adding to their distinct look. Another characteristic feature is the fur-like texture on their hind legs.

Wingless and Nocturnal

• They are wingless insects, which sets them apart from other cricket species.
• These crickets are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night.

Raspy crickets differ from other cricket species due to their lack of wings. This wingless characteristic is a defining feature of these insects. Additionally, they are nocturnal creatures, making them active during the night.

Comparison of Raspy Crickets and House Crickets:

Examples of Raspy Cricket features:

• Light brown color helps them camouflage in soil and vegetation.
• Nocturnal behavior allows them to avoid predators during the day.

Behavior and Ecology

Feeding and Diet

Raspy crickets are omnivorous insects. They primarily feed on:

• Plant material, such as seeds
• Small insects

Sometimes, they can bite humans and pets, causing discomfort but usually no harm.

Mating and Reproduction

Raspy crickets engage in unique mating rituals. Males attract females through:

• Stridulation: Producing sound by rubbing specialized body parts
• Offering gifts: Presenting food items like seeds

Females lay eggs in hidden spaces or moist soil.

Predators and Defense

Raspy crickets face various predators, including:

• Birds
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Mammals

Their defenses include:

• Camouflage: Blending with their surroundings
• Hopping: Quick escape from threats

Here’s a comparison table of Raspy crickets and common house crickets:

Raspy Cricket Interaction with Humans

House and Cave Crickets

House crickets (Acheta domesticus) and cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae) are two common crickets that humans may encounter. While house crickets are often found in our homes and are attracted to warmth, they provide benefits such as controlling pests like aphids and mites. Cave crickets, on the other hand, are typically found in damp areas like caves and basements. They are harmless to humans and occasionally help in reducing populations of other bugs.

Features of House and Cave Crickets:

• House cricket is attracted to warmth and light.
• Cave cricket is found in damp and dark areas.
• Both crickets are harmless to humans.

Role in the Ecosystem

Raspy crickets play a critical role in the ecosystem. They serve as food for various animals, including birds and mammals. Additionally, crickets contribute to the decomposition process by consuming dead plants and animals. Their presence enhances soil health and fertilization.

In the science world, cricket research has contributed to a better understanding of brain development in rodents and humans. Crickets have also inspired technology development, such as bio-inspired robotics and sound-producing devices.

Pros and Cons of Raspy Crickets:

• Pros: Pest control, food source for animals, ecosystem support.
• Cons: Can be a nuisance when they invade homes.

Raspy Cricket Comparison Table:

Research and Literature

Recent Studies and Findings

Raspy crickets, also known as camel crickets, are an interesting research topic, particularly in rainforest ecosystems. Studies have shown that these insects are quite adaptable and can thrive in various environments. For example, they can survive in wooden habitats, demonstrating their hardiness.

Raspy crickets are popular subjects for research pertaining to their physiology and behavior. Recent findings reveal that these crickets are more prevalent in rainforests than initially believed. In certain regions, they have been reported to rapidly die off, adding to the intrigue surrounding their population dynamics.

Characteristics of Raspy Crickets:

• Unique, rasping sound
• Long, thin legs
• Nocturnal behavior
• Ability to adapt to various environments such as wood and rainforests

Some examples of raspy cricket species include:

• Diestrammena asynamora (Asian Camel Cricket)
• Ceuthophilus stygius (Cave Camel Cricket)
• Neoliomalotus spp. (Cave Raspy Cricket)

Comparison Table of Raspy Crickets vs. Camel Crickets

The literature on raspy crickets is expanding, with various sources providing lists and summaries of key research findings. These resources contribute to a better understanding of the crickets’ behavior, habitat preferences, and environmental impact. Researchers around the world are working diligently to study these fascinating insects further and uncover the secrets behind their intriguing lifestyle.

Media and Resources

Quizzes

• Raspy Cricket Quiz: Test your knowledge of these fascinating insects with a fun quiz. Example: Insect Quiz

Podcasts

• Cricket Chirps: A podcast dedicated to discussing the biology and behavior of Raspy Crickets and other related species.

Videos, Images and Infographics

• Raspy Cricket Infographics: Visual representations of key facts and information. Example: Cricket Life Cycle Infographic
• Image Galleries: Collections of high-quality images displaying the beauty of Raspy Crickets in their natural habitat.
• #WTFact Videos: Short clips showcasing interesting facts about Raspy Crickets. Example: Amazing Insect Facts Video

Student and Educational Resources

• Dictionary: A comprehensive online dictionary of cricket terminology.
• Biographies: Learn about famous entomologists who have studied Raspy Crickets.
• Demystified: Articles and videos explaining complex cricket concepts in simpler terms.
• Britannica Classics: Classic articles that take an in-depth look at various aspects of Raspy Crickets.
• Britannica Explains: Educational videos that provide clear and concise explanations related to Raspy Crickets.
• Student Portal: A hub of Raspy Cricket resources curated specifically for students.
• Covid-19 Portal: Information on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Raspy Cricket research and conservation efforts.

Pros and Cons of Raspy Cricket Study Methods

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – Raspy Cricket from Australia

Subject:  What type of cricket (?) is this?
Geographic location of the bug:  Sydney, Australia
Date: 05/19/2019
Time: 08:36 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  Hi this cricket (?) leapt at me and then tried to bite me! When I tried to initiate contact it reared back like a spider and it’s mandibles we’re clacking away.
How you want your letter signed:  Simon Carter

Dear Simon,
This is a King Cricket in the genus Australostoma.  There are images posted to FlickR and The Bug Chicks.  According to the Queensland Museum:  “Giant King Crickets are found only in rainforest in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. They live in burrows in the soil and emerge on wet nights to forage on the rainforest floor for live insects and rotten fruit. They are closely related to the giant wetas of New Zealand.”

Correction:  We received a comment from Matthew that this is actually a Raspy Cricket which is profiled on Brisbane Insects.

Letter 2 – Female Raspy Cricket, NOT King Cricket from Australia

Subject: giant cricket bright coloured
Location: eyre peninsula / spencer guulf
October 30, 2016 9:11 pm
Hi, I just found this guy (girl) on a sleeping bag left in my enclosed veranah. I live on eyre peninsula / spencer gulf side. I’m presuming a cricket although the back legs are not as prominent as most.
My main concern is the brightness of its colours – usually indicating something to beware of (& no I do not plan to kill it, just want to understand it – & maybe keep it as a pet)
I couldn’t find anything on Google (which is how I found you) it is FAR brighter than the king cricketsa I saw pictured
Any help with identification would be greatly appreciatd,
Thanks
Signature: Linda

Subject: resubmission of giant cricket
Location: eyre peninsula / spencer gulf region south australia
October 30, 2016 9:26 pm
Hi, I realised there was nothing in the photos I provided to give scale so am resubmitting .
This is the giant black & yellow cricket from eyre peninsula / spencer gulf region south australia. the measuring tape used is in inches (largest numbers) & cm (smaller numbers)
The colours of the cricket look nowhere near as bright as the first photos, due to less light but it really is very brightly coloured
Cheers
Signature: Linda

Dear Linda,
Thanks for writing back with additional images.  This is a King Cricket in the family Anostostomatidae, and though we have had no luck identifying a species for you, we have found a few links for you.  We found images of a similar looking individual on FlickR and Atlas of Living Australia has those same images as well as some other examples of the family.  Cab E Books has a book entitled The Biology of Wetas, King Crickets and their Allies if you would like additional information.  Intekom has a nice page devoted to Parktown Prawns, a related species from South Africa.  This appears to be a female with a well developed ovipositor at the tip of the abdomen.  This is such a distinctive looking King Cricket, we are surprised we were not able to locate anything more specific for you.

Correction
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the reply & info,
I also emailed the SA museum & got this response which I’ll pass on to you so you can add it to your knowledge database, even with this identification there’s not a lot of info available on the net:

“Hi Linda,
Great pet – I say.  As you have there a juvenile female Raspy Cricket.  Family Gryllacrididae Genus Ametrus. They will/can bite are non-toxic but the bite is strong enough to break the skin.  They make me jump when I catch them and they bite you – as it is so unexpected.
Feed her mealworms, moths any other arthropods. They are very impressive as adults as they are so big with such long antennae.  The adult will have wings and can fly.”

Best Regards,
Linda

Thanks for the correction Linda.  We always defer to museum staff.

Ed. Note:  We have not been able to locate any online Raspy Cricket images from the genus Ametrus that resemble this Orthopteran.

Letter 3 – Striped Raspy Cricket from Australia

Insect from Kilcowera Station
Location: Kilcowera Station, Outback Queensland, Australia
December 2, 2011 6:45 pm
Hi bugman! Love your website, so handy!It’s early summer here in Oz and these insects are all over the place in their little homes growing big, ready to fly.
They live in bricks,small diameter steel pipes and in suitable bits of steel and other things that have a nice cosy hole that they can cover at one end.
Do they bite? They look quite terrifying and I hate the look of them. They start off only a couple of centimetres long and can get to about 8 cm.
Signature: Toni Sherwin

Hi Toni,
We identified your insect as a Striped Raspy Cricket, Paragryllacris combusta, on the Brisbane Insect website which states:  “Striped Raspy Crickets are also known as Tree Crickets. Adults are dark brown to pale brown in colour with fully developed wings. They have very long antenna, all legs are spiny.  They hide in nest on tree during the day. Their nest is usually two board leaves hold together by silky material. They are well known for their ability to find the way home after foraging distance away.”  You indicate that they live in bricks and pipes, and provided a photo of the covering they create at one end.  We did additional research and learned on Bush Craft Oz that they are:  “Large cricket (body up to 45 mm), nocturnal feeder, spends day in tree holes, or, more usually, two leaves stuck together with silk like material. Can navigate home each night. Has been observed nectar feeding. Fully developed wings. Patterns on face.”  Since they spend the diurnal hours in tree holes, they are probably using your bricks as a substitute lair.  We are intrigued with their ability to spin silk.  The sword-like ovipositor on your individual indicates she is a female.

Well thank you very much for your speedy response.  I have never seen their nest in trees! I have observed however that it seems it’s the smaller ones hide behind the white silk like stuff and don’t come out for a fee weeks, then one day the white stuff will have been broken or eaten away and the insect is gone.  And they get much bigger than 45ml!!!  Do they bite?????  Regards Toni

Many large Orthopterans can bite, but we have no knowledge of the Striped Raspy Cricket being a biter, though we would surmise that they would only bite if carelessly handled.

Letter 4 – Striped Raspy Cricket from Australia

Subject:  Giant Cricket or Grasshopper
Geographic location of the bug:  Broken Hill
Date: 10/28/2017
Time: 07:20 PM EDT
I found this guy last night in the laundry room but my mums dead set on saying it’s a giant cricket, i think it’s a giant grasshopper myself, it’s about 7 cm long and the antennae puzzle me with being so long, all the images I’ve seen of grass hoppers they don’t have as long as this one.
poor things missing part of it’s leg.
can anyone identify it?
How you want your letter signed:  Hayden Crowley

Dear Hayden,
We are going to have to agree that mum is more correct than you are.  This appears to be either a Striped Raspy Cricket, Paragryllacris combusta, or a closely related species.  According to the Brisbane Insect site:  “Striped Raspy Crickets are also known as Tree Crickets. Adults are dark brown to pale brown in colour with fully developed wings. They have very long antenna, all legs are spiny.  They hide in nest on tree during the day. Their nest is usually two board leaves hold together by silky material. They are well known for their ability to find the way home after foraging distance away. ”  It is also pictured on Atlas of Living Australia.

Letter 5 – Raspy Cricket in its lair in Australia

Subject:  Cricket ???
Geographic location of the bug:  Angledool NSW
Date: 01/08/2018
Time: 05:26 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  Hi,
Someone has suggested this is a raspy cricket – there are several neat round holes in trees without a net and a couple with a net. It is closed all day and there at night when we look. The net is hard and you can scratch it with your fingernail which makes the bug come to the entrance. It is water soluble as I wet some in my insect hotel (bottom levels) and it disintegrated.  Thank you
How you want your letter signed:  Kym

Dear Kym,
The person who suggested that this is a Raspy Cricket is correct.  We have an image in our archive of a very similar Raspy Cricket lair, but without its inhabitant.  We suspect this is probably a Striped Raspy Cricket, Paragryllacris combusta, a species pictured on Brisbane Insects where it states:  “Striped Raspy Crickets are also known as Tree Crickets. Adults are dark brown to pale brown in colour with fully developed wings. They have very long antenna, all legs are spiny.  They hide in nest on tree during the day. Their nest is usually two board leaves hold together by silky material. They are well known for their ability to find the way home after foraging distance away. ”  The site also states:  “The crickets are nocturnal species and are found wandering around vegetation during the night. ... The Cricket nests in holes in trees and between the leaf-sheaths of plants.“ 

Letter 6 – Carolina Leaf Roller

Mysterious Bugs
My husband and I recently moved into our newly-built home, north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Our nearly acre and a half used to be forest and there is still dense forest around our home. I’ve seen quite a few bugs that I have never seen before! Through your website, I was available to identify two of the pictures as a nursery web spider and a stink bug. I wasn’t able to find anything on your site that matched the other bug I saw. It had VERY long antennae, looked like a cross between a cricket and a cockroach and was very shiny and red. I’m attaching one close up and one that fits its antennae in the shot. Thank you!

This is a Carolina Leaf Roller, Camptonotus carolinensis, the only know North American species in the genus. It is one of the Raspy Crickets in the family Gryllacrididae. According to BugGuide, the Carolina Leaf Roller: “Bites through leaf in order to form flap. Flap is folded over, edge is pulled down with legs, and then edges are glued together with silk from gland on mouth. Sometimes uses empty Bladdernut (Staphylea) pods in which to hide instead of leaves. ” As your second photo shows, the antennae can be five times the length of the body. Thank you for sending a new species to our site.

Letter 7 – Aggressive Japanese Raspy Cricket

Katydid or Grasshopper?
Dear Bugman,
I’m eager to know exactly what this guy is. I found him trapped in an umbrella this morning (July 8th) and when I freed him he bit me. I dropped him and he assumed a very angry and threatening pose and even chased me around the street. He either couldn’t fly, or chose not to because he ran everywhere, almost like a cockroach. He was an able climber and scaled a wall to make his escape. It was very ungrasshopper-like behavior, and after reviewing your grasshopper/katydid page, I’m beginning to wonder if he’s the latter. I snapped a few pictures, one with his wings exposed and one without (see links). I live in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. I hope you can tell me what the hell he is!
(the) Brian Adler

Hi Brian,
We don’t have access to information that would identify the species or genus, but this may be one of the Katydids in the family Tettigoniidae. It reminds us of one of the predatory species in the U.S. Neobarrettia spinosa, and could be closely related.

Update: (07/03/2008) Katydid IDs from Piotr Naskrecki
Hi,
I have been looking at the page with unidentified katydids (Katydids 2), and thought I could help with some ID’s. From top to bottom they are: Japanese “katydid” – not a katydid but Gryllacrididae, Prosopogryllacris japonica

Letter 8 – Carolina Leaf Roller

Subject: What’s this
Location: Memphis tn
November 27, 2015 9:21 am
Can you identify this insect
Signature: jeff taylor

Dear Jeff,
This Raspy Cricket in the family Gryllacrididae is a Carolina Leaf Roller, Camptonotus carolinensis, which you can verify by comparing your individual to this image posted to BugGuide.  Furthermore, your individual is a female as evidenced by the long ovipositor at the end of her abdomen.  The commom name is because, according to BugGuide:  “Bites through leaf in order to form flap. Flap is folded over, edge is pulled down with legs, and then edges are glued together with silk from gland on mouth. Sometimes uses the pods of Bladdernut, Staphylea trifolia, as a shelter instead of a leaf.”

Thank you Daniel for the response !!!!   Very nice service you have there !!  Appreciate !!

Letter 9 – Australian Mystery Orthopteran: Raspy Cricket?

Grasshopper
Hi,
I don’t know whether you can identify Australian species of bugs. Other people have told me it could be a grasshopper, a cricket or a locust. It was photographed in the south west corner of Australia and he was about 2 inches long, with very long horns; possibly about 6 inches long.
Thank you
Eve Parry

Hi Eve,
Our web search turned up no matches for this interesting insect. This is definitely an Orthopteran, the Insect Order that contains grasshoppers and crickets. The length of the antennae suggests a member of the Family Tettigoniidae, the Long-Horned Grasshoppers and Katydids, but the head most resembles the True Crickets in the Family Gryllidae. We will try to get an opinion from Eric Eaton. We actually did a bit more searching and came up with a very close match in the Family Gryllacrididae, Striped Raspy Cricket. The markings seem slightly off, but otherwise a good match. They are known as Tree Crickets. Our search lead us to a second site with several Australian species but only two images, neither of which is an exact match.

Thank you so much for your prompt reply and your the work you did to try to find an answer for me. On googling Striped Raspy Cricket and seeing a photo, I tend to agree with you. I’ve been advised to send the picture to the West Australian Museum, so they may be able to confirm that. Thank you once again
Eve Parry.

Hi Daniel,
This is the reply I got back from the West Australian Museum. I have left your email on the bottom to help jog your memory. It’s about the identification of and Australian cricket.Eve
“Hi EveYour cricket is a tree cricket, family Gryllacrididae, a close relative of the true crickets. These insects are relatively common, and are generally active at night, on the ground or on bushes. During the day they are usually hiding in a burrow or in some other enclosed space. Most of the species are pale brown, some are wingless even as adults. The females have an ovipositor, a long sword-like process on the end of the abdomen, that is used to inject eggs into the soil. They feed on vegetation, such as grass, or possibly other insects. Their jaws are powerful enough to leave a mark if you put your finger too close to them!Our collection of these insects is not yet properly sorted to species, so I cannot give you any specific name – sorry…Cheers
Brian”

Letter 10 – Carolina Leaf Roller

Katydid, grasshopper, or cockroach? Please let it be one of the first two…
Location: Cleveland, ohio suburb
August 20, 2011 5:05 pm
Hello, My husband found this insect in our northeast Ohio dining room. Our house is bordered by a large wooded area so I am thinking that it may be a katydid. However, I always worry when I see a large bug like this (can’t help myself)
Signature: worried in Ohio

Dear worried in Ohio,
Though your photo is blurry, we believe that, based on this photo posted to BugGuide, this is a female Carolina Leaf Roller, Camptonotus carolinensis, which is classified as a Raspy Cricket in the family Gryllacrididae.  It isn’t classified in either the cricket family or the katydid family, though all three families are grouped together as Long-Horned Orthopterans in the suborder Ensifera.  According to BugGuide, it is a beneficial insect that:  “Hunts aphids at night.”

Letter 11 – Carolina Leaf Roller

Subject: Bug
Location: Tennessee
January 27, 2016 8:04 am
Found in tennessee…having trouble trying to identify
Signature: Lee

Dear Lee,
We believe we have properly identified this Longhorned Orthopteran as a Carolina Leaf Roller, Camptonotus carolinensis, and the spiky ovipositor is an indication that this is a female.  You can verify our identification by comparing your individual to this image on BugGuide.  According to BugGuide, the common name is because the Carolina Leaf Roller “Bites through leaf in order to form flap. Flap is folded over, edge is pulled down with legs, and then edges are glued together with silk from gland on mouth. Sometimes uses the pods of Bladdernut, Staphylea trifolia, as a shelter instead of a leaf.”  This is a very unusual time of year for this sighting, because according to BugGuide they occur in:  “Late summer to fall. Nymphs in July-August, adults September-October in North Carolina”

Letter 12 – Carolina Leaf Roller infected by Fungus

Subject: What is this?
Location: Gaitlinburg TN USA
May 10, 2014 3:21 pm
Hi , my name is Justin I collect insects as a hobby and have taken a couple entomology classes, but I can’t ID this insect. It looks like some sort of a longhorn beetle . But I believe this is husk or shell. Is this possibly a nymph stage of an insect? This was found in November 2013 near Gaitlinburg TN USA.
Signature: Justin. T

Hi Justin,
WE are having trouble providing you with a definitive identification, but we can tell you this is not a Longhorn Beetle.  This is an Orthopteran in the suborder Ensifera, the Longhorned Orthoptera.  Furthermore, we believe it is an immature Katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, and the presence of an ovipositor indicates it is a female.  This does not appear to be a shed exoskeleton, as there is no evidence of a splitting along the dorsal surface which is where the newly metamorphosed insect would emerge from a cast-off exuvia.  Your image is not as sharp as we would like, and we are uncertain if those are spines on the body, or perhaps the remnants of a fungal infection.  There are several examples on the Field Biology in Southeastern Ohio page of Carolina Leaf Rollers infected with Cordyceps fungus that look very similar to your image, and we believe that might be an accurate identification.  The description on the site states:  “Another body invading fungus is Cordyceps. They are known to attack at least a dozen different orders of insects. This is a Carolina Leafroller, Camptonotus carolinensis, a katydid relative.  The dark spot at the base of the abdomen, and the long ovipositor verify this as a female leafroller. Cordyceps fungi may be more familiar to some with regards to ants. This is the same genus that affects the brains of certain ants, turning them into zombies. They climb to high points on vegetation, then the fungal spores spring out of their head. Infected ants are recognized by the colony, and individuals are removed so they won’t cause the entire population to die.”  So, after our research, we are concluding that this is a female Carolina Leaf Roller, a Raspy Cricket, that has been infected by Cordyceps fungus.

Letter 13 – Corpse of a Carolina Leaf Roller, we believe

Subject: hi
Location: Marshall nc
January 4, 2016 6:52 pm
What is this
Signature: aaron Chisholm

Dear Aaron,
This is a female Orthopteran, and we believe it may be a Carolina Leaf Roller, but its condition has us quite curious.  It appears to be dead and not the exuvia or shed exoskeleton that results during metamorphosis.  Perhaps this individual succumbed to a fungus attack similar to this BugGuide image.

Letter 14 – Female Carolina Leaf Roller

Unusual Orthoptera?
Location: Lawrence County Ohio (far southern ohio)
August 29, 2010 10:08 am Dear Bugman,
I wonder if you can identify this odd insect that I found on my front porch light. I live in rural Southern Ohio and have never seen any insect like this. Hopefully you can tell by the photo, it appears to be wingless, has extremely long curling antennae, and a large stinger or ovipositor. I believe it is order Orthoptera, and looks similar to the shield back katydid, but not exactly. Any ideas? Thank you!
Hilary duDomaine

Photo is too small to make out any details

Unusual Orthoptera New Photo Attached
Thanks for writing back! Attached is a much better picture taken with a digital camera. Hope this helps!
Hilary

Hi again Hilary,
Thanks for sending a much better image.  Even though some parts of the body are obscured, we cannot imagine that this could be anything other than a Raspy Cricket in the family Grillacridadae known as the Carolina Leaf-Roller, Camptonotus carolinensis.  You can compare it to this photo on BugGuide. The information page on bugGuide indicates it:  “Hunts aphids at night” and “Bites through leaf in order to form flap. Flap is folded over, edge is pulled down with legs, and then edges are glued together with silk from gland on mouth. Sometimes uses empty Bladdernut (Staphylea) pods in which to hide instead of leaves.”  BugGuide also notes:  “Runs rapidly. Antennae very long, at least five times as long as body. (These do not stick out of leaf shelter.) Ovipositor is upturned and carried over back.”

Wow thank you! That is definitely it! I have never seen one of these around my home, so it was great to get info on this unusual cricket! Thanks for your help,
-Hilary

Letter 15 – Leaf Rolling Cricket

Hello there,
I was wondering if you could help me identify a bug I recently found IN MY HAIR! (ick) I live in Central Illinois and on the day I discovered this little fellow I had been outside most of the day but I didnt realize he was on me until I was in the bathroom so I’m not exactly sure where I picked him up at.
The bug is dark yellow/light brown in color. It has long antennae… almost 3 times the size of its body. It has six legs and can jump like crazy!! My husband also noticed that it seems to have 4 little feelers on the sides of its mouth. The thing that bothers me most about this bug is that it appears to have a large stinger on the end of its abdomen although it hasn’t seemed to be attempting an attack. Also, I may be crazy but it appears to be getting darker in color from when I found it yesterday (he was more yellow when I found him).
I’ve included a picture of the peculiar thing.
Thanks for your help!
Amelia W.

Dear Amelia,
She is harmless. She is a nymph, an immature orthopteran, maybe a cricket of some sort. Then Eric wrote to us: “The insect from Amelia in Central Illinois is actually a female leaf-rolling cricket, Camptonotus carolinensis, and I’d LOVE to see the pictures at higher resolution. The Leaf Rolling Cricket is more or less, a camel cricket. We still need an example for the field guide.” Sadly, these images were very small and we don’t know how to contact Amelia any longer.

Letter 16 – Probably Raspy Cricket from New Zealand

Subject:  Winged Weta
Geographic location of the bug:  Ramarama , pukekohe
Date: 12/03/2017
Time: 07:07 PM EDT
We believe this is a winged Weta. Question is it harmful to native insects / Weta’s  ? To kill or not to kill ?
How you want your letter signed:  Regards, marion Van Dijk.

Dear Marion,
We believe this is a Raspy Cricket in the family Gryllacrididae.  Though we could not locate any images from New Zealand, there are numerous examples from Australia, including on the Brisbane Insect site.  We are confused why you would even be inquiring about killing it from our site.  We promote tolerance, not eradication.

Letter 17 – Raspy Cricket from Australia

Subject: What’s in my sister’s roses?
Location: Sydney, Australia
May 21, 2016 7:55 am
My sister lives in northern Sydney, Australia, and is a photographer. She doesn’t know what beastie it is hiding in her roses but she’d like to! I have been unfortunately useless. Lots of people are suggesting earwig, but it doesn’t look like an earwig to me at all. Any help greatly appreciated!
Signature: Natalie Lyndon

Dear Natalie,
Though they often take refuge in rose blossoms, this is definitely NOT an Earwig.  We believe this is a Raspy Cricket in the family Gryllacrididae.  This image from Dave’s Garden looks very similar, and you can find additional information on the Brisbane Insect site where it states:  “They usually spend the daytime in burrows or in leaves shelters. Both adults and nymphs produce silks by their mouthparts. They lay silk to line burrows wall or hold leaves together. Some build burrows or leaves retreats similar to those made by spiders.”

Fantastic! Thanks, Daniel. My sister will be pleased to know!

Letter 18 – Raspy Cricket from Australia

Subject: Unknown Katydid – northwest Queensland, Australia
Location: Cloncurry, Queensland
November 22, 2016 7:07 am
This lady turned up at my workplace today, and the photo was taken because she’s not a bug that we usually see here. With a bit of googling and posting on other sites (reddit), the consensus seems to be that she is a katydid of some sort, but with no positive confirmation. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us, as a nearby Peewee (Magpie Lark) thought that she looked delicious. (“It’s the circle of liiife…”)
She does look a bit like a katydid that was posted here a few years ago (2008/05/03/unknown-australian-katydid-killed-for-photo-op/)
Signature: Johnmc

Dear Johnmc,
The link you provided from our archives was a correct identification on your part, but it is not a Katydid.  We eventually identified that insect as a female Raspy Cricket, probably in the genus Ametrus thanks to the input of Katydid expert Piotr Naskrecki, and somehow, duplicate postings were in our archive.  We deleted your link in favor of the correctly identified posting of the Raspy Cricket.  Here is another posting of what appears to be the same species of Raspy Cricket.

Letter 19 – Raspy Cricket from Australia

Subject: Scared missus
Location: Whyalla in South Australia
December 8, 2016 4:19 am
Hey there Bugman. I have a bug my Girlfriend found when she went to the toilet. She was ready to leave and this fella started to come crawling up the wall near the window. Ive never seen one of these bugs before. hope you can help me work out what it is. I live in a town called Whyalla In South Australia.
Signature: Nino Longobardi

Dear Nino,
This looks like a Raspy Cricket to us.  While they are not considered dangerous, they do have powerful mandibles and may deliver a painful bite.  This image from FlickR looks very similar. 

Letter 20 – Raspy Cricket, we believe

Subject: what is this?!
Location: South Australia
March 12, 2015 10:55 pm
I found this massive bug in my horses water trough today, do you have any idea what it is? I’ve never seen it before and it’s kind of scary!
Signature: Thanks!

We believe this is a Raspy Cricket in the family Gryllacrididae and they are reported to deliver a painful bite, though what you might have mistaken for a stinger is actually an ovipositor used to lay eggs.  More images can be found on the Brisbane Insect website.

Letter 21 – Raspy Cricket in its lair from Australia

Subject:  RASPY CRICKET
Geographic location of the bug:  Eulah Creek NSW
Date: 12/15/2019
Time: 10:58 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  We came across this little chap the other day – first time I had seen anything like it in 20 years at Narrabri. and it has us stumped (pardon the pun) until I came across this site. The insect is living in a hole in a strainer post and appears to have his mesh up during the day but down at night.
How you want your letter signed:  Lars

Dear Lars,
Thanks so much for sending in your excellent images of a Raspy Cricket in its lair.  Researchgate has information on silk production by Raspy Crickets.