Cave Cricket, Camel Cricket, or Spider Cricket

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark places such as caves, hollow logs, under rocks, basements, crawl spaces, and cellars. They prefer cool, moist environments.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers. They feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, other insects (dead or alive), and sometimes fabric or plant material if found indoors.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and wingless. They have very long antennae (often longer than their body) used for navigating in dark environments. They jump readily and erratically when disturbed, often into dark corners. Unlike true crickets, they do not chirp.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Can be considered a nuisance pest when they enter homes in large numbers. While they don't bite or sting, they can damage fabrics, houseplants, or stored goods if food is scarce. They can also attract other pests, like spiders, who prey on them. Benefits: In natural ecosystems outdoors, they contribute to decomposition as scavengers.

Identified on: 9/20/2025