Insecta

Jerusalem Class Order Family Species

Insecta spp.

Range Reproduction Special Adaptations

The family is repre- Growth: gradual, molts several times. When disturbed, Jeru- sented worldwide. This Egg: laid in small masses in nest like holes; may overwinter. salem crickets make a genus is found in south- Nymph: takes about two years to reach adulthood. rasping sound by rub- ern Canada, the western Adult: lives for several months. In the Bay Area mating occurs in the bing their legs against a U.S. and south to Costa fall and so Jerusalem Crickets are most roughened spot on their Rica. likely to be encountered during this time. Their total abdomen; they also tap life span from hatching through adulthood may be their abdomen against up to 3 years. the surface of the ground Habitat Physical Characteristics to produce a drumming sound. Different species Temperate and tropical. Mouthparts: chewing. produce distinctly differ- Coastal sand, deserts, Wings: none in U. S. (winged spp. in Mexico & Central America) ent drumming patterns. interior montane and dune Legs: 3 pairs of spiny,Physical strong Characteristics legs. Male and female Jeru- habitats. Antennae: 1 pair. salem crickets find the Egg: oval, white with rough surface. opposite sex and correct Niche Color: shining pale amber-yellow to brownish with darker stripes on species during the mat- abdomen. (different spp. vary in color from light tan to black) They liveunder rocks ing season by picking up Body: large human-like head, soft bodied. andundrground in bur- Size: 20mm to 3 inches in size as adults depending on the species; the rows which they dig female tends to be larger than the male as in many . themselves. Diet Did You Know? Conservation Concerns

In nature: they are Though they possess large jaws, these crickets are harmless and will only pinch There are only 6 de- omnivores feeding on in defense if molested. Jerusalem crickets are called "niña de la tierra" in Mexico scribed species in Cali- insects smaller than which means "child of the Earth". fornia but there may be themselves, dead up to 40 species. One matter, roots and other Species in Western U. S. : Stenopelmatus fuscus species that used to be plant material. Stenopelmatus intermedius native to San Francisco is In culture: same as Stenopelmatus longispina now extinct due to habitat above including ter- destruction. There are mites, and oats. Other common names used: Potato bugs, stone crickets. three species that are con- sidered endangered (but not yet on the endangered species list).

Sources (12) (43)

Written by Leslie Saul and Esther Julier, LITES Project, Oakland, California. © National Science Foundation, 1994. SaveNature.Org • 699 Mississippi Street, Suite 106, San Francisco, CA 94107 [email protected] www.savenature.org