Jerusalem cricket (potato bug)

Moist soil, beneath rocks, logs, and leaf litter in western North America, especially California and the Southwest. They occasionally wander indoors.

Primarily roots, tubers, decaying plant matter, and other organic material; they may also consume small insects opportunistically.

Nocturnal and mostly solitary, spending daylight hours underground. They dig with strong legs and may hiss or drum their abdomen when disturbed; bites are uncommon but possible if handled.

Not venomous and generally harmless, though their bite can be painful. They aerate and recycle soil and are prey for birds, mammals, and reptiles.