
Community identification
Mole Cricket
Gryllotalpa spp.
- Order & Family
- Order Orthoptera, Family Gryllotalpidae
- Size
- 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Underground in moist soil, garden lawns, and pastures
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; they eat plant roots, tubers, and turf grass, as well as earthworms and insect larvae
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and subterranean. They use shovel-like forelimbs to tunnel through soil. Adult males produce a loud, rhythmic chirping from burrow entrances to attract mates.
Risks & Benefits
Often considered a major turf pest due to root damage and soil disruption. They are generally harmless to humans, though they can deliver a small nip if handled. They serve as a food source for birds and some mammals.