Mole Cricket

Natural Habitat

Underground in moist, loamy or sandy soils, often near turfgrass, golf courses, and gardens.

Diet & Feeding

Depending on the species, they eat grass roots, stems, organic matter, or small soil-dwelling invertebrates like earthworms and grubs.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and fossorial (specialized for digging). They use shovel-like forelimbs to tunnel through soil. Males produce a loud chirping song from within specialized burrows to attract mates.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered significant agricultural and turf pests as their tunneling and feeding habits damage plant root systems. They pose no direct physical risk to humans but can disrupt ecosystems and gardens.

Identified on: 3/31/2026