A bizarre subterranean cricket with massive mole-like front legs adapted for tunneling. Males produce loud chirping calls from burrow openings in spring nights.

Also called: Mole Cricket

Native status: Native to eastern US (Tawny and Southern Mole Crickets are introduced)

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 2.5–5 cm
Weight~1 g
LifespanAdults 6 months; full cycle 1–2 years
OrderOrthoptera
FamilyGryllotalpidae

§ Encyclopedia

Neocurtilla hexadactyla, commonly known as the northern mole cricket, is a species of mole cricket that is native to eastern North America. It also occurs in South America, where it may be an adventive species. Its range extends from the southern reaches of eastern Canada and through the eastern and central United States. It is preyed upon by the wasp Larra analis, which parasitizes live mole cricket hosts.

Source: Wikipedia — Neocurtilla hexadactyla Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Cylindrical brown to tan cricket with massive mole-like digging forelegs; very long body; small eyes; thick exoskeleton.

Similar species. Tawny Mole Cricket (introduced from South America; even larger; pest of southeastern US). Northern Mole Cricket (smaller).

Voice. Loud sustained trilling chirp at dusk and through evening, especially after rain.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Plant roots, tubers, insect larvae, earthworms.

Behavior. Bizarre subterranean cricket with mole-like front legs adapted for tunneling. Lives in shallow burrows in moist sandy soils; can excavate at remarkable speed for an insect. Males "sing" from chambers shaped like underground megaphones — they chew burrows with specific resonant geometry to amplify their calls; can be heard up to 600 m away. Major pest of southern golf courses and turf farms.

§ Range

Southeastern US

§ Habitat

Moist sandy soils, lawns, pastures

§ Threats

Habitat loss, lawn pesticides, secondary insecticide impacts.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern mole cricket is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain native soil. Skip lawn pesticides. Tolerate occasional yard tunnels.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • University of Florida IFAS Entomology
  • USGA Green Section
  • iNaturalist