Cave Cricket / Spider Cricket / Camel Cricket
Scientific Name: Rhaphidophoridae (Family)
Order & Family: Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae
Size: Typically 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in body length, appearing larger due to extremely long legs.
Natural Habitat
Damp, dark environments such as caves, basements, crawl spaces, under logs, and in leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers; they will eat fungi, decaying plant matter, other insects, and even fabric or paper.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and flightless. They are known for their ability to jump great distances when startled, often toward the perceived threat as a defense mechanism to intimidate.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are not venomous and do not bite humans, but can be a nuisance pest in homes, potentially damaging fabrics and congregating in large numbers. Benefits: They play a role in the ecosystem as recyclers of organic waste.
Identified on: 3/5/2026