Other Common Names
Sand Crickets
Wetas
Potato Bugs
Children of the Earth (Nina de la tierra)(Mexico)
Stone Cricket
Chaco
Numbers
Nearctica.com lists two genera,
Ammopelmatus (2 species, apparently local), and
Stenopelmatus (8 species listed).
Range
Western US from British Columbia down through Mexico and Central America.
Habitat
Most of their lives are spent underground. Damp, sandy soil is preferred.
Food
Organic matter found in the soil.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid several inches underground by females. They hatch in spring and fully grown adults develop by fall.
Remarks
Although it is not agressive and has no venom, this cricket will bite if disturbed or molested. They have powerful jaws usually used when burrowing through the earth and feeding on plant roots. Keep a respectful distance.
An interesting story from "Ask Dr. Bug" website, below:
"They are sometimes found dead in swimming pools and ponded waters. This is either the result of a simple drowning or a parasite infection. The horsehair worm (Gordius spp. or Paragordius spp.) can inhabit the jerusalem cricket's gut and feed. The worm can alter the behavior of the cricket and force it to seek water. Once in water, the worm bursts through the insect's abdomen and seeks a mate. The cricket dies from the wound. I have found them in ponds at O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon (1980's) and at Starr Ranch Audubon Sanctuary (2002)".
