Insecta Jerusalem Cricket Class Order Family Species Insecta Orthoptera Stenopelmatidae Stenopelmatus 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 insects. 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 animal 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.