Mole Cricket

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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 & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 9/26/2025