Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Gryllus alogus Rehn 1902
Identification
Somewhat more brownish than most
Gryllus species (still overall blackish though); not strongly patterned. Short or long-winged, and often flying to lights. The most distinctive feature is the rapid short "chirps" of the male
song, which is distinctly different from related species found in the same region. This particularl recording was made in my (David Ferguson's) yard.
Gryllus vernalis has a similar songs, but is eastern in distribution. G. fultoni, also eastern, has a similar but usually much slower song.
Range
Desert regions in southern and western Arizona, southern Nevada, southern and central New Mexico, extreme west Texas, and almost certainly into adjacent states.
Habitat
Often near irrigated areas in valleys, also along steam valleys, and other places a bit less deserty than the general surroundings. However they do not actually favor truly damp areas as implied by the name and habitat, but rather tend to be associated with these areas in rather dry situations under rocks, debris, in soil cracks, etc. Rarely enter houses.
Season
Adults can be found year-round, depending upon the year and locality, but they are most common in spring.
Remarks
It is not unusual to hear this species above all others when travelling in the southwest. It seems to have a propensity for occuring near the edges of towns where motels are often situated! Commonly heard in desert cities such as Albuquerque, El Paso, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, etc.