Mole Cricket

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.

Identified on: 3/23/2026