Mole Cricket

Natural Habitat

Underground burrows in lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields; they prefer moist soil and grassy areas.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; most species feed on plant roots, grass, and tubers, while some also consume small insects and earthworms.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, highly specialized for digging with shovel-like forelimbs. Males create specialized burrows that act as acoustic amplifiers for their mating calls during spring and autumn evenings.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting. However, they are significant agricultural pests that can damage lawns and crops by tunneling and feeding on roots. Beneficially, they serve as a food source for birds and mammals.

Identified on: 3/24/2026