Crickets are a group of insects belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta, order Orthoptera, and family Gryllidae. They are closely related to grasshoppers, both possessing hind legs adapted for jumping, but their jumping ability is not as strong as that of grasshoppers.
Below are 10 common cricket species, including their distribution, morphology, habits, and characteristics:
Akita cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus)
Widely distributed in southern Canada and throughout North America, including northern Mexico. They mostly inhabit disturbed grasslands, near residential areas. They are 15–25 mm in length, ranging in color from dark black to dark brown, with occasional reddish-brown individuals. Omnivorous, they are important predators of seeds and invertebrates.
Jamaican field cricket (Gryllus assimilis)
Native to the southern United States, Mexico, parts of South America, and the West Indies. It inhabits grassy fields, roadsides, and grasslands. Males emit a short call once per second. Rich in protein, its powder contains 54.69% protein, making it a viable alternative to animal protein.
Gryllus bimaculatus
Originating in the Mediterranean region, it is now found worldwide and adapted to various dry and wet environments. It measures 20–33 mm in length and 8 mm in width, slightly larger than the common field cricket. It is omnivorous, feeding on plants and small animals.
European field cricket (Gryllus campestris)
Commonly found in Western Europe, it prefers sunny, dry grasslands with low vegetation. In the north, it is limited to barren grasslands and wastelands. It has a dark body color; males are 19–23 mm in length, and females are 17–22 mm. It is one of the most endangered cricket species in Britain, and its numbers are also declining in north-central Europe.
House cricket (Acheta domesticus)
Native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia, it has now become a global invasive species. It measures 25–30 mm in length, with antennae approximately the same length as its body. It has a slender, lighter-colored body. Males are smaller and have two abdominal appendages, while females are larger and possess an ovipositor.
Tropical house cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus)
Native to southwestern Asia, it has now spread to tropical and urban areas. It measures 13–18 mm in length, is light yellowish-brown in color, and has two thick black stripes. It feeds on plant stems, leaves, and roots, often damaging crops.
African mole cricket (Gryllotalpa africana)
Distributed in Africa, parts of Asia, and Southern Europe. Adults mostly live in burrows underground, only emerging during the breeding season. They have powerful forelegs, enabling them to dig tunnels quickly, feeding on plant roots and soil invertebrates.
Kuroda no Kori (Teleogryllus commodus)
Native to Australia, it was later introduced to New Zealand. It prefers cracked rocks or dry soil and is most active at night. It can reach 30 mm in length, is black or brown, and has long antennae, jumping legs, and chewing mouthparts.
European mole cricket (Gryllotalpa grillotalpa)
Native to Western Europe and North Africa, it was later introduced to East Asia, South America, and the eastern United States. It inhabits short grasslands and sandy or peat-rich soils. Males are about 50 mm long, while females can reach 70 mm. Its body is brown with fine hairs, and its forelegs are large and well-suited for digging.
Western tree cricket (Oecanthus californicus)
Distributed in southern Arizona and Oregon, USA, from late May until frost. It inhabits shrubs or trees 50 cm to 2.5 meters tall. Males are lemon green, and females are green to brown. Adults average about 19.5 mm in length.
