What is a Jerusalem Cricket?

The Jerusalem cricket is a large insect, which is also known as the potato bug. It has alternate names like earth baby, nino de la terra, or cara de nino. This last name, face of the baby, is popular because from the top of the insect, the head looks something like a young baby, though most people consider it not nearly as attractive. In fact, aside from the name, the Jerusalem cricket is more apt to give people an unpleasant surprise due to its large size and somewhat translucent amber or brown color.

Each name for the Jerusalem cricket is a little bit deceptive. They are of the genus Stenopelmatidae and they aren’t actually true crickets. They’re also not true bugs, as the name potato bug implies. They lack wings, and some people confuse them with bees. This is because their lower body many be striped with black and light brown to dark brown bands.

Some rumors have it that the Jerusalem cricket is venomous like bees or yellow jackets, yet this is not true. They can bite hard because their jaws are strong, but they tend not to want to bite humans if they’re left alone. It’s probably more likely that a Jerusalem cricket might bite an inquiring animal that decides to sniff it at.

These insects are difficult to ignore since full grown ones may be as much as 2 inches (5.08 cm) in length. You’re most likely to see them in the evening hours because they are usually nocturnal. People often see just one potato bug at a time, because these insects are not social and don’t tend to live in groups.

You’ll primarily find Jerusalem crickets in the Western United States and they also occur in Mexico, especially in areas along the Pacific coast. They don’t live anywhere near Jerusalem, which sparks some interesting questions about how they came by their most common name. There are a few colorful explanations for this name, which began being popularly used in the early 19th century.

One explanation is that when the Jerusalem cricket is resting, it resembles a type of cross called a Jerusalem cross. Another idea is that Jerusalem crickets may have eaten Jerusalem artichokes, which grow along the range of the cricket, since they primarily consume organic matter. Alternately, perhaps the funniest, though difficult to prove explanation, is that saying “Jerusalem” was a slang term to express surprise. Since these insects are large, it might be hard not to see one without letting out some sort of exclamation, though it should be remembered that these insects tend to be harmless.

A Jerusalem Cricket, also known as a potato bug, is a large, flightless insect native to the western United States and parts of Mexico. Despite its name, it is neither a true cricket nor is it from Jerusalem. It belongs to the Stenopelmatidae family and is known for its robust, drumming behavior used for communication.

Jerusalem Crickets are omnivores with a diet that primarily consists of plant matter, dead organic material, and small insects. They are particularly fond of tubers and roots, which has led to their nickname "potato bugs." Their feeding habits help in soil aeration and the decomposition process in their natural habitats.

Jerusalem Crickets are not venomous and pose no serious threat to humans. However, they can deliver a painful bite if handled or threatened due to their strong mandibles. It's best to observe them without direct contact to avoid any discomfort and to respect their role in the ecosystem.

Jerusalem Crickets communicate through a unique method called stridulation, where they rub their hind legs against their abdomen to produce vibrations. This drumming behavior is used for attracting mates and territorial displays. The sound can be surprisingly loud, considering their subterranean lifestyle.

Jerusalem Crickets are predominantly found in the western regions of North America, from California to Mexico. They prefer moist environments and are often located under rocks, logs, or in soil. Their habitat range extends to arid deserts and grasslands, where they burrow underground to maintain moisture levels.

Jerusalem Crickets are an integral part of the ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey. They help control pest populations by feeding on other insects and contribute to soil health through their burrowing and consumption of decaying plant material. They are also a food source for various mammals, birds, and reptiles.