Jerusalem Cricket

Natural Habitat

Typically found in subterranean burrows in the soil across the western United States and Mexico, though they occasionally wander into homes.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they eat decaying organic matter, roots, tubers, and occasionally other small insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and flightless. They use their strong mandibles for digging and emit a drum-like sound by striking their abdomen against the ground to attract mates.

Risks & Benefits

They are generally harmless and provide ecological benefits as decomposers and a food source for larger animals. While not venomous, they can deliver a painful bite if handled or provoked.

Identified on: 6/19/2026