
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)
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.