Camel Cricket / Cave Cricket / Spider Cricket
Various species within the family Rhaphidophoridae (e.g., Ceuthophilus species are common in North America)
- Order & Family
- Order: Orthoptera; Family: Rhaphidophoridae
- Size
- Generally 1/2 to 1.5 inches (1.2 to 3.8 cm) in body length, excluding their long antennae and legs.
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark, and cool places such as caves, hollow trees, under rocks and logs, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, garages, and cellars.
Diet & Feeding
Opportunistic omnivores and scavengers. They feed on organic matter, including decaying plants and fungi, other insects (dead or alive), fabric, wood, and even other camel crickets.
Behavior Patterns
Camel crickets are nocturnal and hide during the day. They prefer dark, damp environments. Unlike true crickets, they do not chirp. When disturbed, they have a tendency to jump erratically and very high, often towards the perceived threat, which can be startling. They are scavengers and will eat almost anything organic.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include being a nuisance pest indoors, as they can damage fabrics, wood, and plants. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases. Benefits include being a food source for larger predators in natural ecosystems and acting as decomposers by consuming decaying organic matter.