Jerusalem Cricket facts and information:

Latin name: Genus Stenopelmatus
Type: insect
Diet: omnivore
Average lifespan: as an adult several months
Size: only 2 inches long
Weight: weight of 2 ounces

Jerusalem Crickets are one of a kind and a bit freaky, with their large body, huge ant like legs, a round bald head that sort of resembles a baby and their large body that looks like a huge body of a wasp. The Jerusalem Cricket is also known as the Potato bug.

Jerusalem Cricket video.

What does a Jerusalem cricket look like?

Jerusalem Crickets have a brown color with a cream colored belly. Their top body is dark brown with strips, just like a wasp. They have thick legs that help them, burrow in the soil. They have black beady eyes and two antennae. They have a claw like mouth that they use to crew trough roots, fruits and vegetables.

Where does the Jerusalem cricket live?

Jerusalem crickets are found in Mexico, Western U.S. along the Pacific Coast and in Germany. Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal which means they are active at night. They mainly live underground but they come out at night to feed on plants. They can be found under rocks and wood.

What does a Jerusalem cricket eat?

Jerusalem Crickets are omnivores and primarily eat roots, insects and tubers. They are mostly active at night when they eat.

Did you know about these Jerusalem cricket facts?

Jerusalem cricket create their sound by hitting its legs against its body, which is called drumming.
They can emit a foul smell and are capable of inflicting a painful bite. Their bit is not deadly.
Being cannibals the female will often devour the male after mating.
This poor misunderstood creature has its good side. By burrowing in the earth, the Jerusalem cricket helps to aerate the soil and recycle nutrients. It also keeps down the insects and spider populations, by eating them.