How Do You Identify A Mole Cricket?
Mole crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae) are nocturnal and spend the majority of their time underground tunneling and foraging for food. Although there are several different species and color variations, their habits and life cycles are much the same. Mole crickets have a few unique characteristics that differentiate them from the more common black crickets. Notice that adult mole crickets are plump, cylindrical, measure from 1 to 1.25 inches in length and have wings that lay flat across the back. They have jumping hind legs like other crickets with mole-like front legs, shaped much like short spades with serrated edges. Observe the color, which ranges from light tan to chestnut brown, depending on the species. You’ll also notice two pairs of pale spots on the segment behind the head, short dense hairs covering the body and big bulging eyes. Look for damage to your grass in the summer and fall caused by the young mole cricket nymphs feeding. They look like small versions of the adult
