Bug Identifier
Field Cricket
Community identification

Field Cricket

Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Black Field Cricket)

Order & Family
Order: Orthoptera; Family: Gryllidae
Size
15 to 31 mm (approximately 0.6 to 1.2 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in lawns, pastures, gardens, and under rocks or logs throughout North and South America.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; feeds on organic debris, plant matter, seeds, and smaller insects (live or dead).

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal. Males produce a distinctive chirping sound by rubbing wings together to attract females. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans but can be a nuisance if they enter homes. Ecosystem benefits include acting as a food source for birds and spiders, and aiding in soil decomposition.