Field Cricket adults are between 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches long, and are black, brown or reddish in color. They will feed on just about any organic matter, and can become an agricultural pest. They are most prominent in late spring and early summer. Males make a loud chirping noise.

The Jerusalem Cricket is very large—up to 2 inches long and amber colored. It can actually bite with strong force. It requires high humidity, and is most prominent in spring. The Jerusalem Cricket lives in burrows in the ground, and feeds on roots, dead animal matter, and can sometimes be cannibalistic. It is rapidly becoming a major problem in the state, and should be reported if found.

Mole Crickets are also found in the state. There are several types of these large crickets, most prominent are the Northern and Southern Mole Crickets, and the Tawny Mole Cricket. They do considerable damage to lawns.

Life Cycle

Between 150-700 eggs are laid, many eggs overwintering to hatch in the spring. There are 7-9 larval instars, and nymphs develop in 50-90 days on the average. Some nymphs may also overwinter. There can be from 1-3 generations per year.