Mole Cricket

Underground, in soil, lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. They prefer moist, sandy soils.

Omnivorous, feeding on plant roots, tubers, grasses, and small insects/larvae in the soil. Some species are primarily herbivorous, others more carnivorous.

Nocturnal; they spend most of their lives underground, digging extensive tunnels with their shovel-like forelegs. Males produce a distinctive chirping sound from their burrows to attract mates.

Risks: Can be significant pests in lawns, golf courses, and agricultural crops by damaging roots and creating unsightly tunnels. Benefits: They can aerate the soil, and some species consume other insect pests.