Subject: identify bug
Geographic location of the bug: Santa Maria California
Date: 02/14/2019
Time: 03:50 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I just found this bug on my front porch and wanted to find out what it is. I just moved to California from back East and have never seen a bug like this before!
How you want your letter signed: LCS
Dear LCS,
Welcome to California. This is arguably the most iconic California insect, the Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket, a subterranean Orthopteran that is driven to the surface by rains. Your images are awesome.
Thank you so much! I have gotten attached to the little guy and would like to keep him but my kids think it’s weird! So I had better put him back outside! Have never had a “bug pet” before!! Thanks again, LCS