Jerusalem cricket (potato bug)

Burrows in loose, moist soil, especially beneath rocks, logs, gardens, and other ground cover in western North America.

Primarily eats roots, tubers, decaying plant matter, and occasionally small insects or other invertebrates; it is not a true potato bug.

Mostly nocturnal and solitary, spending daylight hours underground. It digs with its robust legs and may drum or stridulate when disturbed; development occurs through gradual metamorphosis.

Generally harmless to people, though it can deliver a painful defensive bite if handled. It aerates and recycles soil, but heavy feeding may damage roots and garden plants.