Field Cricket

Scientific Name: Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Black Field Cricket)

Order & Family: Order: Orthoptera; Family: Gryllidae

Size: 15 to 31 mm (approximately 0.6 to 1.2 inches)

Field Cricket

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.

Identified on: 6/12/2026